Resources & references

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The purpose of our database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele.  We therefore propose a selection of pertinent* references, however not exhaustive, given that each week more research and other information are published around the world. 

Note (*) : the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.

Language
Type of reference
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131 results
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy (CJMT)
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Association of Music Therapists

The Canadian Journal of Music Therapy (CJRM) is a bilingual, peer-reviewed publication that aims to raise international standards of music therapy knowledge and practice. 

Canadian Mennonite University - Music therapy education & programs
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Mennonite University

Located in Manitoba (Canada), the Canadian Mennonite University offers the Bachelor in Music Therapy program

Capilano University - Music therapy education & programs
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Capilano University

Located in British Colombia (Canada), Capilano University offers the Bachelor of Music Therapy program

Comfort, connection and music: Experiences of music therapy and inter-active listening on a palliative care unit
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
SarahRose Black, Gary Rodin, Camilla Zimmermann
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music and Medicine

This qualitative study explores the lived experience of inter-active listening (IAL), an individualized music therapy experience in which the therapist plays music or sings while the patient engages through listening. The study found that a receptive music therapy referred to as IAL was associated, in cancer patients in an acute palliative care unit, with increased emotional and spiritual well-being and a greater sense of connection to self and others.

Community Music Therapy for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
2004
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sandra L. Curtis , Chesley Sigmon Mercado
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 4(3)

This paper describes a Performing Arts Program, representative of Community Music Therapy. Adults with developmental disabilities participated in community-based performing ensembles — instrumental/vocal groups and American Sign Language (ASL) music interpretation groups. The Performing Arts Program was successful in fostering community engagement, social networking, and friendship building. Implications for the changing trends in music therapy are discussed.

Concordia University - Music therapy education & programs
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Concordia University

The Department of Creative Arts Therapies, from Concordia University in Montréal (Québec) offers the Music Therapy Graduate and Master's Programs, and coordinates the clinical internships required to become a certified music therapist in Canada.

Conférence CREGÉS: Fostering Inclusion & Empowerment of Aging Adults with IDD in an Art Hive Context
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
CREGÉS - CAU en gérontologie sociale

This study explored perspectives and social needs of aging adults with IDD as expressed by them through actions, words, music, and art that they shared in a university community Art Hive. Using collaborative and participatory methods, this research contextualizes the Art Hive as a place of social, creative, and relational engagement and inclusion.

Developing a best-practice agenda for music therapy research to support informal carers of terminally ill patients pre- and post-death bereavement: a world café approach
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Palliative Care

This study aimed to co-design an international best practice agenda for research into music therapy for informal carers of patients pre- and post-death bereavement. Results show that the effectiveness of music therapy in supporting informal carers across the bereavement continuum should be prioritised. This should be done using a mixed methods design to draw on the strengths of different methodological approaches to building the evidence base. It should involve service users throughout.

Drumming through trauma: Music therapy with post-traumatic soldiers
2008
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Moshe Bensimon, Dorit Amir, Yuval Wolf
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Arts in Psychotherapy

This study presents music therapy group work with six soldiers diagnosed as suffering from combat or terror related PTSD. Some reduction in PTSD symptoms was observed following drumming, especially increased sense of openness, togetherness, belonging, sharing, closeness, connectedness and intimacy, as well as achieving a non-intimidating access to traumatic memories, facilitating an outlet for rage and regaining a sense of self-control.

Effect of music therapy on emotional resilience, well-being, and employability: a quantitative investigation of mediation and moderation
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Yingjie Feng, Mingda Wang
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Psychology

This article examines the impact of music therapy on adults participating in employment training programs or actively seeking work, after receiving online music therapy sessions designed to enhance emotional regulation and stress management. Music therapy significantly improved emotional resilience, overall well-being, and employability among participants.

Effects of Music Therapy on Quality of Life in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease (MUSIQOLS): A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Samuel Rodgers-Melnick, Lucas Lin, Kristina Gam, Evanilda Souza de Santana Carvalho et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain Research

This study examined whether music therapy is was beneficial among adults with sickle cell disease and chronic pain. Interviews revealed that participants learned new self-management skills and that music therapy improved their ability to cope with pain.

Click here to watch a video about this study.

European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC)
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC)

The European Music Therapy Confederation was founded in 1991, as a forum for exchange between music therapists in Europe. The EMTC is a confederation of professional music therapy associations, working actively to promote the further development of professional practice in Europe, and to foster exchange and collaboration between member countries.