Resources & references

This article provides general information on how music therapy can support individuals with various mental health needs. It explains what music therapy is, who can benefit, how it can support adults and teens, and music therapy experiences that are beneficial in offering emotional support.

Read an article that discusses the underlying neural mechanisms of pain across the lifespan, and how various aspects of music-based intervention may assist in pain management. 

This article presents a study exploring the use of music therapy interventions for pain management in adults. Findings show that recreative and music-assisted relaxation and imagery interventions were significantly more likely to reduce pain intensity than receptive only interventions and also suggest that male patients, medicaid beneficiaries, and patients with sickle cell disease were less likely to report pain reduction.

Click here to read the referenced study.

The University of Toronto's Faculty of Music offers the Masters program in Applied Music and Health, approved by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. 

To read the description of the MMus program in Applied Music and Health, choose "Music and Health - Applied" and "MMus in Applied Music and Health" from the drop down menus at the top of the page. 

Read about the University of Toronto's PhD program in Music and Health Sciences. 

This chapter describes the use of music technology as part of music therapy sessions at the Perkins School for the Blind. Diverse music therapy technology tools and their clinical use are described: voice output communication aids and switches, soundbeam device,  and music production softwares.

 This pilot research investigated eight most commonly used Bruscia’s (1987) clinical improvisation techniques utilised in music therapy with autistic clients: imitating, reflecting, synchronising, extending, symbolising, holding, incorporating, and rhythmic grounding. Improvisations were recorded using LogicPro connected to MalletKAT
instruments. Improvisations were analysed using music-adapted technology, the MIDI Toolbox.

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.

Read a case study presenting the use of the non-verbal voice in music therapy for a young girl with severe intellectual disabilities, complex needs, and autism to build connections within herself and with the music therapist.

 Open Access peer reviewed journal that invites interdisciplinary dialogue and discussion about music, health, and social change. This publication encourages participation from every continent and will nurture the development of discussion and debate.

Watch Trish MacAulay, a certified music therapist, lead a group music therapy session for veterans. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the group aimed to enhance social interaction and improve wellbeing.

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

 Children with autism have historically received individual music therapy sessions; however they can also benefit from small group work where they can have a shared musical experience.