Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

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The purpose of our resources database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele, and to help answer questions from a diversity of visitors seeking information about music therapy. 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.  

If you wish to contribute to our database, click on the button below. The proposed references are submitted to an analysis and a selection process by a team of music therapists from the Institute. 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.

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Type of reference
Clients
Format
28 results Clear all
Therapist uses music to help dementia patients access and revive memories
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
AARP
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapist Concetta Tomaino explains how she uses music therapy to help older adults living with dementia to enhance cognitive stimulation, emotional support, physical abilities, and overall wellness.

Click here to read the related article.

Tous en choeur - Épisode 6 - La musique comme thérapie
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
French
Source / Publisher
AMI
Country
Canada

Watch the 6th episode of a documentary series hosted by Gregory Charles about the therapeutic effect of choir singing and music among adults living with Alzheimer's disease, an episode that includes the participation of the National Music Therapy Institute. Two sequences (at 4:05 and 11:30) feature an exploratory group music therapy session with dyads composed of 4 choir members and their caregivers, as well as interviews with Suzanne Caron, President, and Tanya Lavoie, music therapist.

Note: This video is available with closed captioning and a transcript.

Two Heads Are Better Than One: Combined Physical and Music Therapy for Late-Stage Huntington's Disease
2026
Type of reference
General information
Author
Nicolò Zarotti
Language
French
English
Source / Publisher
HD Buzz
Country
Canada
United States (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)

Read an article detailing a study on interprofessional collaboration between music therapists and physiotherapists in therapy targeting movement for individuals with late-stage Huntington's Disease. The study found better results when both therapists worked together, compared to physiotherapists working independently, and that simpler rhythmic cues were more effective than more complex melodic cues.

Click here to read the original article.

Using distance technology to deliver the creative arts therapies to veterans: Case studies in art, dance/movement and music therapy
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Heather Spooner, Jenny Baxley Lee, Diane G Langston, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Arts in Psychotherapy
Country
United States (USA)

Read about the feasibility of online sessions within the creative art therapies through three case studies of veterans who received either art therapy, dance/movement therapy or music therapy . Sessions were held via in-home, synchronous clinical video telehealth.