Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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.

General search

Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
535 results Clear all
Music therapy for students who are both deaf and blind truly works, teacher says
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
KSL News Utah
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapy allows children with visual impairment to reach their goals and develop their motor, cognitive and communications skills. Children who are part of the group explain why they enjoy music therapy. 

Music therapy for supporting informal carers of adults with life-threatening illness pre- and post-bereavement; a mixed-methods systematic review
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kathleen M Gillespie, Tracy McConnell, Audrey Roulston, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Palliative Care
Country
United States (USA)
Ireland
United Kingdom (UK)

The objectives of the study were: i) to describe the characteristics and effectiveness of music therapy interventions which aim to improve health-related outcomes for adult informal carers of adults with life-threatening illness, and ii) to describe the experience of music therapy for adult informal carers of adults with life-threatening illness. Conclusion: qualitative studies provide moderate to strong evidence for improved health-related outcomes for adult informal carers of adults with life-threatening illness pre-bereavement. 

Music therapy for young children with acquired communication impairments: An international survey of clinical practices
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
James Burns, Rebecca O’Connor, Hilary Moss
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Ireland

This study employed an online survey to investigate current approaches, clinical interventions, and outcome measures used by music therapists working with young children with acquired communication impairments (ACIs)  to address language- and communication-oriented goals. Among the diverse range of interventions employed by music therapists, song singing, vocal improvisation, and music and play emerged as the most effective techniques for supporting individuals with ACIs in achieving their goals. 

Music Therapy: Group Music Pain Model
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Veterans Health Administration (USA)
Country
United States (USA)

At McGuire VA Medical Center, Hope Kumme, a certified music therapist, uses music to help veterans with PTSD and other chronic ailments. Learn how group music therapy sessions have helped clients improve pain management, mood, and quality of life.

Music therapy: Harmonizing health and healing through sound
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
NeuroLaunch
Country
United States (USA)

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

Music therapy helping to work through grief and finding a personal identity
1999
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Henk Smeijsters, José van den Hurk
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Netherlands

This article describes a qualitative single-case study of the treatment of a woman having problems with grief and finding a personal identity. The music therapist used several techniques of improvisation to support the client's cautious steps into a new musical and a new personal world.

Music therapy helps Banner Children’s NICU patients
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Banner Health
Country
United States (USA)

Watch music therapist, Sarra Erb, use singing to help babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to assist their development.

Music therapy helps dementia patients
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
WSLS 10
Country
United States (USA)

Symphony musicians, a music therapist, and a speech language pathologist work together with dementia patients to facilitate a therapeutic experience that enhances long term memories, reminiscence, and quality of life.

Music therapy: ‘Her face just lights up when she hears it’
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
BBC News Northern Ireland
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Learn how music therapy helps a young girl with cerebral palsy and a cerebral visual impairment. Access to music therapy in Northern Ireland for blind/visually impaired children is also discussed.

Music therapy hits the right note in Nova Scotia hospital
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nova Scotia Health
Country
Canada

Watch as music therapist Kelsey MacDonald provides music therapy sessions to a patient with dementia at Aberdeen Hospital and listen to testimonials from the patient's daughter and the director of the palliative care unit.

MUSIC THERAPY - Impact Insight Series - Benji
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Watch how Benji and his music therapist engage together to work towards his goals targeting collaboration, communication, and social skills.

MUSIC THERAPY - Impact Insight Series - Abigail
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Watch a video of a music therapist working with a young autistic girl. Goals discussed include communication, social skills and functional skills.