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!

Propose new references

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
53 results Clear all
Music Therapy with Hudson - 1
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Watch how music therapist Belinda Burns works with Hudson, a young boy with developmental delays.

Click here to watch a video of Hudson's progress three years later.

Music Therapy with Hudson - 2
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Watch how music therapist Belinda Burns works with Hudson, a young boy with developmental delays.

Click here to watch a video of Hudson's music therapy treatment three years prior.

Music Therapy with Keith and Ryan
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

This video features twin brothers diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy who received individual music therapy sessions. Watch as they play instruments and sing to strengthen their communication, expression, and collaboration, and hear insights from their mother and music therapist in interviews.

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Video Portrait (Part 1)
2008
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins
Country
United States (USA)

Discover the history of the Nordoff Robbins music therapy method for disabled children and watch early sessions, featuring both Clive Robbins and Paul Nordoff (Part 1). Note: these images were published on YouTube in 2008, but they date from an older time period (circa. 1993).

Click here to view part 2 of this video.

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Video Portrait (Part 2)
2008
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins
Country
United States (USA)

Discover the history of the Nordoff Robbins music therapy method for disabled children and watch early sessions, featuring both Clive Robbins and Paul Nordoff (Part 2).  Note: these images were published on YouTube in 2008, but they date from an older time period (circa. 1993).

Click here to view part 1 of this video.

Parent perspectives of telehealth compared to in-person family-centred music therapy for their autistic child in Hong Kong: A qualitative study
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lesley Wan Sang Leung, Jinah Kim & Grace Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
China
Hong Kong

Read a study exploring the perspectives of parents of autistic children in Hong Kong on family-centered music therapy for their children in both telehealth and in-person formats. Benefits and challenges of both formats are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.

Procesos de evaluación en Musicoterapia. Aplicación práctica en un caso de un niño con Autismo
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nuria Inés Alicia Marsimian
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Ecos. Revista científica de musicoterapia y disciplinas afines
Country
Argentina

This case study explores a music therapy assessment of an autistic child in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It presents the stages of the assessment, assessment tools, and assessment findings.

Reportaje: Música para el autismo
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Nuestras Bandas de Música
Country
Spain

Watch a video about the NGO Música para el autismo, which provides music opportunities, including music therapy, to autistic individuals. A session with one girl is included, as well as discussion of specific approaches, like the Benenzon method and neuromotor techniques.

Reporting on outcomes: An adaptation of the ‘AQR-instrument’ used to evaluate music therapy in autism
2012
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Martin Lawes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

This article introduces an adaptation of the music therapy and autism specific AQR-instrument. The author developed this adaptation following the requirement to report on the outcomes of his work at a school for children with autism. After introducing the AQR-instrument, the author describes how his adaptation enables him to produce bar charts illustrating client progress. 

Rethinking the role of music in the neurodevelopment of autism spectrum disorder
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Thenille Braun Janzen, Michael H. Thaut
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music & Science
Country
Canada

This article provides a critical appraisal of research developments in reassessing the current clinical scope of practice in music therapy for autism spectrum disorders to include interventions targeting motor and attention functions.

Simra - Exploring the World Through Music
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Simra was born with the rare conditions Lebers Amaurosis and Joubert Syndrome leaving her with total blindness as well as having poor muscle tone, co-ordination and balance. Watch as Simra explores the world through music with the help of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.

Speech Sounds
2021-2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Tiana Malone
Country
Canada

Discover a playlist of 22 music videos created by certified music therapist, Tiana Malone to target various speech sounds for children. The videos are designed to be accessible to low-vision children.

Click here to read an article on speech and language development among children pertinent to music therapy.