Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
Format

If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact us so we can help.

If you have references to propose that we could add to our database, please use this Resource Sharing Form.

49 results
ParkinSong Online: protocol for a telehealth feasibility study of therapeutic group singing for people with Parkinson’s disease
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Meg E Morris, Felicity A Baker, Tanara Vieira Sousa et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMJ Open

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online mode of delivery for a Parkinson’s singing intervention (ParkinSong) as well as remote data collection procedures. This mode of delivery aims to increase the accessibility of singing interventions.

Qué es la musicoterapia? - Carla Navarro, Pedro Vinuesa et al.
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Neuras Ciencia

This video (in Spanish) includes interviews from Carla Navarro, Pedro Vinuesa, María Martínez-Gil, and Paula Ramirez who are music therapists in Spain. They explain what music therapy is, who can benefit, and how it can help people of all ages. Clients who received music therapy also describe how music therapy improved their life.

Remini-Sing RCT: Therapeutic Choir Participation for Community-Dwelling People with Dementia and Their Primary Caregivers
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Zara Thompson, Imogen N Clark, Kate Teggelove, Felicity A Baker
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Remini-Sing RCT, community-based therapeutic choirs led by music therapists and offered to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Preliminary results  showed a decrease in anxiety and depression. Considering the limited number of participants, the article also addresses the issue of  recruitment and retention of participants, to help future research and improve sustainability of such programs.

Sample Music Therapy Group Session
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
mmlearn.org

Join certified music therapist Amy Standridge as she conducts a music therapy group session with older adults living with dementia, and their care partners.

Learn more about the benefits of music therapy for individuals with dementia/Alzheimer's disease.

 

Short-Term Music Therapy Attention and Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMAART) for Prisoners with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Clare Macfarlane,Erik Masthoff, Laurien Hakvoort
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice

A pilot study of a the SMAART music therapy protocol shows that it can help prisoners with a Post Traumatic Stres Disorder (PTSD) in a Penitentiary Psychiatric Center. Neurologic music therapy techniques, breathing, singing and rhythmic exercises were effective in reducing hyperarousal and improving attention among participants.

Social and Emotional Wellbeing for First Nation Elders through Three Way Design, Creation, and Reflection
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Anthony “Tony” Duwun Lee, Gucki Reissenberger, Dr. Michelle Moss
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Journal of Music Therapy

This paper presents a three-way collaboration between a registered music therapist, art therapist and Aboriginal Elder, healer, and artist in Australia. Participants created a yarning project along with music that complemented their artwork, to support social and emotional wellbeing of First Nation Elders living with dementia. 

Special Education Resources : 2 Easy-to-Learn Hello Songs
2013
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Ryan Judd

Ryan Judd, a board-certified music therapist, explains why hello songs are used in music therapy sessions. He also provides an example of a hello song and demonstrates how it can be adapted for both children and teenagers.

The effects of music therapy on engagement in family caregiver and care receiver couples with dementia
2002
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Alicia Ann Clair
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of caregiver-implemented music applications on engagement with their care receivers. Music therapy applications are effective in increasing mutual engagement in couples with dementia, and caregivers can effectively facilitate the engagement using music. Furthermore, once the engagement is established, it carries over into visitation without music.

“The Hello Song” with Music Therapist Sophie | Children’s Music Fund
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Children's Music Fund

A board-certified music therapist sings a hello song to a child with a chronic condition, in an individual music therapy session with his caregiver. Through singing and instrument play, the child improves his nonverbal communication skills.

Therabeat: Music Therapy for Kids
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
CNN

This video provides music therapy live footage and testimonials of its impact in the life of children and their parents. It documents music therapy with young children within a developmental approach. 
It documents the approach and the work of Jennifer Puckett, MT-BC.

VA care, music therapy help Chicago Veteran overcome PTSD
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Air Force veteran Christopher Smith shares how music therapy helped him deal with the anxiety of almost losing his eyesight. Through drumming and singing, he found a way of coping with PTSD.

We'll Hug Again: Sung by veterans and a music therapist
2020
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sunnybrook Hospital

Trish MacAulay, a certified music therapist at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Canada, leads a group music therapy sessions for Canadian veterans. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, participants engaged in group singing experiences to enhance social interaction and improve wellbeing.

Click here to learn more about how music therapy can improve veterans's quality of life.