Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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.  The choice of references aims to offer a variety of types of contents, such as scientific publications and other more general ones, in text, video or audio formats, to help answer questions from a diversity of visitors seeking information about music therapy. 

If you have resources to propose for our database, click on the button below to submit the required information.  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.
  • The proposed references are submitted to an analysis process and selection by a team of music therapists from the Institute.

 

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509 results Clear all
Reporting on outcomes: An adaptation of the ‘AQR-instrument’ used to evaluate music therapy in autism
2012
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Martin Lawes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

This article introduces an adaptation of the music therapy and autism specific AQR-instrument. The author developed this adaptation following the requirement to report on the outcomes of his work at a school for children with autism. After introducing the AQR-instrument, the author describes how his adaptation enables him to produce bar charts illustrating client progress. 

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.

Researchers provide recommendations for understanding music therapy's impact on chronic pain
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Medical Xpress
Country
United States (USA)

This article provides recommendations for music therapy practice and research among individuals with chronic pain using sickle cell disease as an exemplar condition. The research on music therapy for chronic pain management has shown that music therapy is particularly helpful in improving people's pain-related self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is well recognized to play an essential role in effective management of chronic pain.

Resilience, music therapy, and human adaptation: Nurturing young children and families
2009
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Varvara Pasiali
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This paper examines current literature in developmental psychology in order to discuss how music therapy can foster resilience in early childhood. Music therapy can help prepare young children and their families for handling adversity, increase parental sensitivity, and create multiple opportunities for families to develop adaptive interpersonal interaction patterns.

Rethinking the role of music in the neurodevelopment of autism spectrum disorder
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Thenille Braun Janzen, Michael H. Thaut
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music & Science
Country
Canada

This article provides a critical appraisal of research developments in reassessing the current clinical scope of practice in music therapy for autism spectrum disorders to include interventions targeting motor and attention functions.

Review on the Relationship Between Sound and Movement in Sports and Rehabilitation
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nina Schaffert, Thenille Braun Janzen, Klaus Mattes, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Country
Canada
Germany

Review of current literature on sound, movement, and rhythmic auditory information showing that it can improve movement execution, control, and relearning processes in sports and motor rehabilitation.

Revista de Investigación en Musicoterapia (RIM)
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Country
Spain

This is an open access online scientific journal dedicated to publishing academic research in music therapy.

Rhythm, Music, and the Brain: Scientific Foundations and Clinical Applications
2008
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Michael Thaut
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge
Country
United States (USA)

This book brings knowledge of the arts and the sciences and a review about the brain and music, specifically rhythm. It provides a thorough examination of research, including the biomedical applications of neurological music therapy, a system of techniques applied in sensorimotor speech and cognitive rehabilitation.

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.

Role of Music Therapy in Palliative Care—Methods and Techniques
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ramesh Bhuvaneswari
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Palliative Care
Country
India

This paper examines music therapy as a salutogenic approach within a biopsychosocial framework and emphasizes the need for its acceptance in India. Music therapy supports preventive and curative treatment, aids coping and acceptance for patients and caregivers, and offers a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to palliative care.

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.

Scaffolding Young People’s Journey from Mental Health Services into Everyday Social Music Making: A Pilot Music Therapy Project
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Cherry Hense
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
Australia

This study explores how a music therapy group was able to support young people's transition from mental health services into everyday community engagement. Results showed that the group provided a safe space to support the processes of coming together and constructing social identity.