Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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.  The choice of references aims to offer a variety of types of contents, such as scientific publications and other more general ones, in text, video or audio formats, to help answer questions from a diversity of visitors seeking information about music therapy. 

If you have resources to propose for our database, click on the button below to submit the required information.  Thank you in advance!

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Note (*) : 

  • the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.
  • The proposed references are submitted to an analysis process and selection by a team of music therapists from the Institute.

 

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45 results Clear all
Music Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment with Tim Ringgold
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Tim Ringgold
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
WRAMTAS
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapist Tim Ringgold discusses the use of music therapy in substance abuse treatment, outlining his personal journey into the field, the five clinical goals summarized by the S.O.B.E.R. acronym, and related therapeutic interventions.

Musicoterapia e infancia en relación a los comportamientos disruptivos
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Adela Rial-Pereira, Fernando Serrano-Soria
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
La Revista de investigación en musicoterapia MiSOSTENIDO

This research article investigates a music therapy program that uses music improvisation to enhance emotional wellbeing and social skills among elementary school students displaying behaviour challenges.

Musicoterapia en tiempos de crisis: Una propuesta de intervención con niños refugiados
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Leticia Guerrrero Torralba
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
La Revista de investigación en musicoterapia MiSOSTENIDO

Read about a group music therapy program for Ukrainian children seeking refuge in Spain. This article explores the use of music therapy experiences to enhance social integration, process trauma, and improve quality of life among participants.

Musicothérapie à la maison de soins palliatifs Saint-Raphaël
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
French
Source / Publisher
Saint-Raphaël Palliative Care Home and Day Center
Country
Canada

This video features Anna Lacourse, certified music therapist who presents her work with a patient at the Saint-Raphaël Palliative Care Home and Day Center. The patient gives a testimonial and describes the benefits he has experienced through music therapy.

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.

Musicothérapie et santé mentale : l’expérience de musicothérapeutes québécois
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Revue officielle de l’Association canadienne des musicothérapeutes
Country
Canada

This study explores the experiences of music therapists working with adults in mental health settings across Quebec, both in the community and in hospitals. It highlights their reflections and recommendations to support the expansion of music therapy services in mental health.

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. 

Role of Music Therapy in Palliative Care—Methods and Techniques
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ramesh Bhuvaneswari
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Palliative Care
Country
India

This paper examines music therapy as a salutogenic approach within a biopsychosocial framework and emphasizes the need for its acceptance in India. Music therapy supports preventive and curative treatment, aids coping and acceptance for patients and caregivers, and offers a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to palliative care.

Something Changed in the Room
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
PBS
Country
United States (USA)

Watch a documentary featuring music therapist Hilary Camino as she provides music therapy to older adults at Sage Living. It includes interviews, testimonials, and music therapy sessions about the benefits of music therapy for this population. Note: this video is available with closed captioning and a transcript. 

The impact of group music therapy for individuals with eating disorders
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Priya Shah, Elizabeth Mitchell, Shannon Remers, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Canada

This study explored the efficacy of group music therapy sessions for teenagers and adults receiving in-patient eating disorder treatment. The results determined that music therapy was effective in reducing negative affect, improving emotional expression, supporting social connection, and helping patients on their recovery journey.

"The Popular Organizaton Heals": Community Music Therapy for the Collective Rethinking of Masculinity
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Gonzalo Ureta-Fredes & Andrés Salgado-Vasco
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
Chile
Colombia

Read an article exploring a community music therapy project with the overall goal of a collective rethinking of masculinity to help prevent gender-based violence. Findings found the project to be successful at empowering men to take action.