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.

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Type of reference
Clients
Format
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Perspectives on musical competence for people with borderline personality disorder in group music therapy
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jason Kenner, Felicity Baker, Sally Treloyn
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Australia

This paper explores perspectives of musical competence among seven individuals with borderline personality disorder in an 8-week group improvisation music therapy program. Increased musical competence was associated with relational insight, therapeutic benefits, reduced emotionality, and the development of a healthier self-concept.

Polio Music Therapy
2010
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Trust Fund
Country
Canada

 An individual who suffered from polio as a child described the impact of music therapy on his recovery over the years.

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.

Post-Meal Resource-Oriented Music Therapy Groups in a Specialist Day Program for Adolescents with Eating Disorders
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kate A. Aitchison, Tania Withington
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Journal of Music Therapy, Vol 34
Country
Australia

Read how a music therapy program for adolescents with eating disorders involved the participants in designing the session content. Results indicated that this participation may help build positive relationships and reduce distress. 

Pouvoir apaisant de la musique / Soothing power of music
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
French
Source / Publisher
Montreal General Hospital Foundation
Country
Canada

Music therapist Dany Bouchard explains how he uses music to connect with patients of the Mental Health Mission at the Montreal General Hospital. Through regular sessions, Dany helps them access their emotions, express their feelings, and open new doors to healing.

Preliminary investigation of music therapy's impact on medical providers during pediatric burn wound care
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Stephanie Epstein
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Burn Care & Research
Country
United States (USA)

Read a research study on the impact of music therapy during burn care in a pediatric setting for the medical professionals providing the care. Results indicated that survey respondents felt more relaxed, less stressed, better patient compliance  and a better overall experience when music therapy was present than when it was not.

Preparing for future pandemics: enhancing serotonin activation and interpersonal warmth through music therapy to aid in adolescent depression recovery post COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jong-In Park, Seung-Jea Lee, Eon-Ah Choo, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Country
South Korea

Read a study discussing the impact of a group music therapy intervention to support adolescents in depression recovery post COVID-19. Results demonstrated statistically significant changes in several physiological measures associated with improvements in depressive changes in the music therapy group, but not in the control group. This finding supports the use of music therapy in this group to improve depression.

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.

Programa de innovación psicomotriz y emocional a través de la musicoterapia dirigido a personas adultas con deficiencia visual y ceguera
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Isabel Álvarez López
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Revista de Investigación en Musicoterapia
Country
Spain

Read about a group music therapy program in Spain for adults with visual disabilities and blindness, targeting psychomotor and socio-emotional domains.

Proposing Music-based Interventions for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms: Current Evidence and Future Directions
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Adriano Mollica, Michael Thaut, Matthew J. Burke
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry
Country
Canada

Read how music-based interventions can be used as a treatment strategy for neurologic and psychiatric patients. These interventions can target both cortical and subcortical areas governing attention, working memory, planning and flexibility, and can modulate these areas over time. 

Qualitative content analysis of “Hello Songs” composed for children by music therapists in the Czech Republic and USA
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jiří Kantor, Lenka Kružíková
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Social Welfare: Interdisciplinary Approach
Country
Czech Republic
United States (USA)

This article analyzed hello songs composed by music therapists to identify best practices in their composition and use. 

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

Watch interviews with music therapists Carla Navarro, Pedro Vinuesa, Maria Martinez-Gil, and Paula Ramirez describing what music therapy is, who it can benefit, and how it can help. Client testimonials are also included.