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.

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64 results Clear all
Ivy’s Story - Music Therapy at BC Children’s Hospital
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Heals
Country
Canada

This video features the story of a young patient's healing from leukemia, who benefitted from music therapy during her hospital stay. Testimonials from the child, the parents, the music therapist and a pediatrician are shown.

Kate's Clinical Work
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This video shows 6 short excerpts from music therapy sessions, led by Dr. Alan Turry at the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy; each excerpt is preceded by the presentation of the goals planned. 

Music and Life in the Field of Play: An Anthology
2006
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Carolyn Kenny
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)

An anthology of selected writings and presentations by Carolyn Kenny from 1979 to 2006. This volume includes two books, The Mythic Artery and The Field of Play; articles from journals about Music Therapy and Indigenous Studies, chapters in books on Music Therapy; and previously unpublished papers and case study. This volume clearly reveals, perhaps for the first time, the important interplay between Kenny’s lifelong work in Music Therapy and her parallel work in Indigenous Studies. It also integrates many disciplines that both influence and are influenced by Music Therapy education, practice, and research.

Music therapists’ perceptions of creating safety in the context of trauma with children and adolescents: A qualitative study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Hsin-I Cindy Lai, Grace Thompson, Katrina Skewes McFerran
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Australia

This research study interviews experienced music therapists of diverse cultural backgrounds. The results provide recommendations on how to build safety in the therapeutic relationship among children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

Music Therapy
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
USU Arts Access
Country
United States (USA)

Heather Overly, a board-certified music therapist, discusses how music therapy can support children with  developmental disabilities. Through live session examples and interviews, she demonstrates how group music therapy can meet therapeutic goals such as self-expression, academic skills, and social skills.

Music Therapy and Addiction Treatment
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
Country
United States (USA)

This fact sheet from the American Music Therapy Association provides information about music therapy practices for substance abuse recovery. This page provides information on potential outcomes of music therapy, contraindications for music therapy, the clinical process, research areas, and a client testimonial.

Music Therapy And Behavioral Health
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talks
Country
United States (USA)

Listen to music therapist Calli Puko describe her work with adolescents in behavioural health. 

Music Therapy and Music-Based Interventions in Pediatric Neurorehabilitation
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Elisa Milcent Fernandez & Christopher J. Newman
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children
Country
Switzerland

Review of current research supporting the use of music therapy and music-based interventions in pediatric neurorehabilitation. Results demonstrated measurable benefits of music therapy in multidisciplinary teams in three principle domains: gait rehabilitation, upper limb function, and speech recovery.

Music Therapy and Recovery in Mental Health: Seeking a Way Forward
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Tríona McCaffrey, Catherine Carr, Hans Petter Solli, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
Australia
Ireland
Norway
United Kingdom (UK)

A research paper offering theoretical perspectives from music therapy researchers around the world on the implications of music therapy as a recovery-oriented practice in mental health and recommendations to maximize support for recovery of mental health patients.

Music Therapy at UC Davis Children's Hospital
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
UC Davis Health
Country
United States (USA)

Watch how music therapy is provided in a pediatric hospital setting to work on a variety of goals with children with diverse needs.

Music Therapy at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
2011
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (UPMC)
Country
United States (USA)

See how music therapy is used in a pediatric hospital setting. Goals discussed include tolerance of medical procedures, pain and anxiety management, and stabilization of vital signs.

Music therapy could help manage the pain of bereavement
2024
Type of reference
General information
Author
Lisa Graha-Wisener, Tracey McConnell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation
Country
Ireland

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.