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
Clients
Format

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36 results
Music Therapy with Charlotte & Elsee - Speech Exercise- The Introduction Song
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Linton Milano Piano
Country
United States (USA)

Charlotte Stewart, a board-certified music therapist, sings a hello song to a child during an individual music therapy session, helping the child develop their verbal communication skills through singing.

Music Therapy with Keith and Ryan
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

This video features twin brothers diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy who received individual music therapy sessions. Watch as they play instruments and sing to strengthen their communication, expression, and collaboration, and hear insights from their mother and music therapist in interviews.

Musicothérapie : Bande à part chez Les Impatients
2011
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Bande à part
Country
Canada

Les Impatients is an organization that helps people living with mental health problems, offering art-based services. With Dany Bouchard, a certified music therapist, and people participating in his group music therapy sessions, the reporter Alexandre Courteau explored this discipline and shared some participants' testimonies on how music therapy has changed their life.

Overview of a Music Therapy Program at a Maximum Security Unit of a State Psychiatric Facility
2002
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Melinda Fulford
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
United States (USA)

This article describes a music therapy program in a maximum security psychiatric state facility. Brief descriptions of the patient population, admission and discharge criteria, safety and security concerns, music therapy interventions, and behavioral strategies are given in order to provide a picture of the program and the concerns associated with this population.

Parents’ Views with Music Therapy in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Vladimir L. Cousin, Hubert Colau, Francisca Barcos-Munoz, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children
Country
Switzerland

This study suggests that music therapy may help manage anxiety and pain in pediatric intensive care (PICU), with parents reporting benefits for both their own and their children’s psychological well-being.

Parkinsonics: A Randomized, Blinded, Cross-Over Trial of Group Singing for Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms in Idiopathic Parkinson Disease
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ankur Butala, Kevin Li, Aathman Swaminathan, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Parkinson's Disease
Country
United States (USA)

Discover how a group singing intervention was used to target vocal motor and nonmotor goals in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Results showed that weekly group singing may improve certain aspects of conversational voice volume and quality of life in Parkinson's disease. 

Qualitative content analysis of “Hello Songs” composed for children by music therapists in the Czech Republic and USA
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jiří Kantor, Lenka Kružíková
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Social Welfare: Interdisciplinary Approach
Country
Czech Republic
United States (USA)

This article analyzed hello songs composed by music therapists to identify best practices in their composition and use. 

¿Qué es la musicoterapia? - Carla Navarro, Pedro Vinuesa et al.
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Neuras Ciencia
Country
Spain

Watch interviews with music therapists Carla Navarro, Pedro Vinuesa, Maria Martinez-Gil, and Paula Ramirez describing what music therapy is, who it can benefit, and how it can help. Client testimonials are also included. 

¿Qué es la musicoterapia? - Natalia Garbarets
2020
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Más que palabras
Country
Spain

Music therapist Natalia Garbarets explains what music therapy is, how it differs from musical education, and what are its benefits.

State-funded programs support music therapy in Australian education settings
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Music Therapy Association
Country
Australia

Learn how music therapy is used in Australian schools to support children's learning and development, including the availability of different programs. 

The Role of the music therapist in promoting parent-infant attachment
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jane Edwards
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Canada

This article provides a rationale as to why musical interaction supported by a qualified music therapist can offer a potential pathway for improved attachment between the parent and infant. Two strong trends are revealed: the international breadth of the developing work by music therapists within family-centred contexts of practice, especially work with infants and their parents in the early years; and the use of theoretical principles of communicative musicality (Malloch & Trevarthen, 2008) combined with knowledge of early musical skills.

This article is available in French full-text translation.

Therabeat: Music Therapy for Kids
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
CNN
Country
United States (USA)

This video provides music therapy live footage and testimonials of its impact in the life of children and their parents. It documents music therapy with young children within a developmental approach. 
It documents the approach and the work of Jennifer Puckett, MT-BC.