Resources & references

Read a systematic review examining the effects of music and music therapy in autistic individuals. Findings indicate a difference in how people with ASD perceive music, as compared to typically developping peers. They also found that the neurologic connections involved in music processing seem to be intact for autistic people, and that music therapy appears to have a positive impact on several areas of functioning for this population. 

This study was an exploratory inquiry into the role of music therapy with pre-bereaved informal hospice caregivers. Engagement with resource-oriented music therapy mediates the risk of increased care burden and results in resilience fostering purposefulness and value in caregiving. Resource-oriented music therapy provides a unique clinical avenue for supporting caregivers through pre-bereavement, and was acknowledged by caregivers as a unique and integral hospice service. 

Read a narrative synthesis evaluating the literature on the therapeutic mechanisms underlying music therapy approaches in adult survivors of trauma. A theory of change underlying the success of these approaches is also proposed. 

This study explored the use of music temporality in clinical improvisation in Nordoff Robbins music therapy sessions with children. Results offered time models that showed how temporal positions within music improvisation and singing helps to improve self-regulation, expression, and introspection.

This video narrates a young girl progress through her music therapy treatment at Primary Children's Hospital. She was referred to music therapy for an important head injury, and slowly finds her skills back with the help of Kayla Zickerman, Music Therapist. In the end of her two-month hospitalization, the patient offers a recital that demonstrates the extent of what she was able to work on in music therapy at the hospital.

Learn about Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), a system of standardized and evidence-based techniques in applied auditory music neuroscience. Neurologic music therapists use music perception and production to help individuals address sensorimotor, speech and language, and cognitive skills among diverse populations.

A list of key NMT publications (research) is available here.

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

This research article explores the effects of Nordoff Robbins- based music therapy sessions in treating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study demonstrated that music therapy decreased depression and anxiety and improved self-acceptance and life-quality among individuals with MS.

This single-blinded randomized controlled trial compares the effects of 1) active group music therapy and 2) receptive group music therapy to group counseling in treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The conclusion is that group music therapy, either active or receptive, is an interesting adjunctive treatment option for outpatients with MDD. 

Read a post exploring different adaptive instruments for use with various disabilities in music therapy contexts, including simple adaptations like adaptive guitar picks and mallet cuffs as well as more high-tech options like the eye-harp.

Watch as a board-certified music therapist leads an individual session with an autistic man. Through instrument playing, singing, and songwriting, the client develops communication, strengthens social skills, and gains confidence.

Watch music therapist Ángel Girón lead a group music therapy session for older adults with Alzheimer's.