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
49 results Clear all
New institute for the promotion and support of music therapy
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Suzanne Caron
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Revue canadienne de musicothérapie (RCM)
Country
Canada

Learn about the National Music Therapy Institute, founded by music therapist Suzanne Caron—its mission, vision, and history, along with key projects developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including online music therapy for family caregivers, autistic individuals, as well as training initiatives for music therapists.

New Ipsos data sheds light on public understanding of Music Therapy
2025
Type of reference
General information
Author
Clare Maddocks
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT)
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

A survey by the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) across the UK to explore public attitudes toward music therapy, reveals largely positive perceptions, but also highlights a persistent lack of understanding about what music therapy entails and how to access it.

Opera legend Renee Fleming teams up with Dr. Francis Collins to study how music can improve health
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
PBS News Hour
Country
United States (USA)

In this news report, giants in their fields of music and science, soprano Renee Fleming and phyician and geneticist Francis Collins, are merging their knowledge to propel advancements in body and mind. Recent discoveries are shared. A recent international gathering of researchers, therapists and artists took stock of what is known and what is yet to be discovered. 

Por qué el cerebro responde a la música cuando otras áreas fallan
2026
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
La Prensa
Country
Argentina

Discover what music therapy is, how it can be implemented, and the therapeutic areas it can support, as explained by music therapist Gabriela Echauri.

Reflecting on the growth of music therapy across a lifetime: Past, present and future insights
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Alison Short & Annie Heiderscheit
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches
Country
Australia
United Kingdom (UK)

Read an interview with an Australian music therapist, reflecting on the development of the music therapy profession over her years as a registered music therapist.

Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Adrienne Pringle, Cathy Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Canada

This article features explorations of themes and ideas that emerged from a close examination of podcast transcripts from the first 40 interview-based episodes of the Canadian Music Therapy podcast, featuring reflections from hosts, Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson.

Research pins down skills that make a good music therapist
2025
Type of reference
General information
Author
Rick Hellman
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The University of Kansas News
Country
United States (USA)

This article summarizes findings from a research article that explores the musical skills required to be a music therapist. Findings were gathered based on the opinions of a dozen music therapists in the United States and have implications for the education and  training of future music therapists.

Click here to read the research study referenced in this article.

The dark side of music as ‘therapy’
2026
Type of reference
General information
Author
Hilary Moss
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation
Country
Ireland

Read an article about the potential harms of music, especially in the context of vulnerable people. Highlights include the importance of following the professional advice of music therapists to navigate and mediate these potential harms, as well as the importance of ensuring consent and/or control for individuals experiencing music in their environments.

What A Music Therapy Session Looks Like
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
M3 Music Therapy, LLC
Country
United States (USA)

Watch music therapist Michelle Muth show what a music therapy session can look like with an autistic child.

What is Music Therapy?
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Hub
Country
United States (USA)

Learn more about what music therapy is, who it can benefit, and how it can support diverse populations.

What is music therapy?
2012
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff and Robbins
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Watch how Nordoff Robbins provides music therapy to individuals with various needs and of various ages. Specific examples are provided, with Amy, an autistic individual, and Declan, a young boy in a hospital setting.

What is Music Therapy? | Children’s Music Fund
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Children's Music Fund
Country
United States (USA)

Listen as music therapists explain what music therapy is, who it can benefit, and how it can be used.