Resources & references

Learn how music therapists support individuals across the lifespan. This article explores potential music therapy goals tailored to different age groups and needs.

This informational page from the Music Therapy Association of British-Columbia provides an overview of music therapy practices in a mental health context. It describes why music therapy may be effective in addressing mental health needs, lists examples of mental illnesses where music therapy can help, presents different approaches and activities that can be used, and provides literature supporting the use of music therapy for mental health.

Read an article exploring a research study on the benefits of music therapy for brain health in normal ageing. Findings report that in both the individual and group conditions there were significant improvements in cognitive function and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Comments from researchers, the music therapy lead where the study took place, and a participant are also included.

Click here to read the research article discussed.

This article explains how music therapy can help people cope with grief in a variety of ways. It can help create connection with a deceased loved one. It can help those grieving to explore spirituality (hope and meaning in life) and deal with challenging emotions. Many people have an intimate connection to the songs that have helped them through bereavement.

Read an article introducing music therapy, how it works, who it can benefit, and explaining the scientific mechanisms underlying the field.

 Music therapy improves the health of premature babies and boosts parental bonding.

Click here to watch a video about this article. 

This article explores the evidence-based benefits of music therapy among adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It references existing research showing how music enhances communication, cognitive functioning, physical activity, memory, reality orientation, and quality of life.

Learn more about the benefits of music therapy by seeing a music therapy experience in action 

This article describes different techniques, interventions and outcomes of teens during cancer treatment. They describe how writing lyrics, making videos helped them get through grueling treatment and connect with others, study found.

Research article about how neurologic music therapy can enhance neurorehabilitation among stroke patients, traumatic brain injury, autistic individuals, and those with learning disabilities.

Discover the benefits of music therapy in the treatment of chronic pain in adults, in this article about research projects from Dr Katie Fitzpatrick and Dr Joke Bradt.

Learn about the National Music Therapy Institute, founded by music therapist Suzanne Caron—its mission, vision, and history, along with key projects developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including online music therapy for family caregivers, autistic individuals, as well as training initiatives for music therapists.

An article about Katie Fitzpatrick, who has dedicated her education and career to music therapy and is blazing a trail in the treatment of chronic pain.