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
548 results Clear all
Parents’ Views with Music Therapy in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Vladimir L. Cousin, Hubert Colau, Francisca Barcos-Munoz, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children
Country
Switzerland

This study examines parental perception of music therapy for children in a university hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). It found that the positive potentials of music therapy in pediatric ICU care reported in other studies could be used to promote the psychological well-being of parents and children, reduce anxiety, and manage pain.

ParkinSong: A Controlled Trial of Singing-Based Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Meg E. Morris, Adam P. Vogel
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
Country
Australia

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of an interdisciplinary singing-based therapeutic intervention (ParkinSong) on voice and communication in people with Parkinson’s disease. The results show that ParkinSong is an engaging intervention with the potential to increase loudness and respiratory function in people with mild to moderately severe PD.

ParkinSong Online: protocol for a telehealth feasibility study of therapeutic group singing for people with Parkinson’s disease
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Meg E Morris, Felicity A Baker, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMJ Open
Country
Australia

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online mode of delivery for a Parkinson’s singing intervention (ParkinSong) as well as remote data collection procedures. This mode of delivery aims to increase the accessibility of singing interventions.

Parkinsonics: A Randomized, Blinded, Cross-Over Trial of Group Singing for Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms in Idiopathic Parkinson Disease
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ankur Butala, Kevin Li, Aathman Swaminathan, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Parkinson's Disease
Country
United States (USA)

Discover how a group singing intervention was used to target vocal motor and nonmotor goals in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Results showed that weekly group singing may improve certain aspects of conversational voice volume and quality of life in Parkinson's disease. 

Parkinson's and Music Therapy
2012
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Norton Healthcare
Country
United States (USA)

Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that affects movement, among other skills. Kerry Willis, a board certified music therapist, explains how neurologic music therapy enhances neurorehablitation through movement, singing, and instrument playing.

Perceptions of family members of palliative medicine and hospice patients who experienced music therapy
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lisa M. Gallagher, Ruth Lagman, Debbie Bates, et. al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer
Country
United States (USA)

This study explored family members’ perceptions of music therapy experiences of a relative in palliative and hospice care, alongside patient self-reports and music therapist assessments of change. Patients showed significant improvements in pain, depression, distress, and mood, while family members reported immediate positive effects on both patients and themselves.

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.