Resources & references

Emotional and physical healing can come from a simple song that masks the pain, according to Markeyla Williams, 22, a patient at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. Williams never knew the power that music would play in healing during such a traumatic time of her life. You can also read the complete article (see other reference with same title).

Click here to read the related article.

The Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) is the professional association regrouping all certified music therapists in Canada.  

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. 

Learn about the Canadian Mennonite University's bachelor program in music therapy.

Learn about Capilano University's bachelor program in music therapy.

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.

This study presents a community music therapy program for adults with developmental disabilities combining instrumental/vocal group performance with American Sign Language (ASL) music interpretation groups. Results indicated the program was successful in fostering community engagement, social networking, and building friendships.

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

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.

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.

Dr. Jeanette Tamplin, professor, researcher, and Registered Music Therapist, explains how music therapy helps with neurorehabilitation among people with neurologic conditions and injuries.

Click here to watch the video referenced in this interview.

Click here to reference the study by Dr. Jeanette Tamplin referenced in this interview.

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.