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.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
Format

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52 results
Musicoterapia - Dr. Mark Ettenberger
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá
Country
Colombia

Music therapist and researcher Mark Ettenberger explains what music therapy is, who it can benefit, how it can be applied, and what are its therapeutic benefits.

Musicoterapia y Alzheimer
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
MUSICOTERAPIATV
Country
Spain

Discover a group music therapy session in Spanish designed for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease—one that supports physical movement, stimulates cognitive abilities, enhances interpersonal connection, and encourages emotional expression.

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

Learn more about music therapy in Spanish

Musicothérapie - Joanie Ayotte, MTA
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Source / Publisher
CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal
Country
Canada

Joanie Ayotte, certified music therapist, explains how music therapy helps achieve therapeutic goals with seniors living in a nursing home (CHSLD).

Nordoff and Robbins: Jacob and Becky
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff and Robbins
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Watch a certified music therapist and her client make music together to promote recovery from speech and physical impairments post-stroke. 

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.

RMTs Change Lives Series - Episode 3 - Thomo's Story
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Music Therapy Association
Country
Australia

Testimonial of a gentleman who participated in music therapy after experiencing a dirt bike accident. He explains how music therapy helped his neurorehabilitation, such as walking, and memory skills.

Click here to watch an interview explaining this video further.

Sample Music Therapy Group Session
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
mmlearn.org
Country
United States (USA)

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.

 

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, Michelle Moss
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Australia

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
Country
United States (USA)

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 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
Country
United States (USA)

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.

The impact of group music therapy for individuals with eating disorders
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Priya Shah, Elizabeth Mitchell, Shannon Remers, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Canada

This study explored the efficacy of group music therapy sessions for teenagers and adults receiving in-patient eating disorder treatment. The results determined that music therapy was effective in reducing negative affect, improving emotional expression, supporting social connection, and helping patients on their recovery journey.