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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Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
535 results Clear all
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.

Rise up: Finding strength, voice, and community through art
2026
Type of reference
General information
Author
Antonella Calarota-Ninman
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Montclair State University
Country
United States (USA)

Read about the "Rise Up" program, an interdisciplinary program supporting children 9-17 years old from immigrant families in sharing their experiences and talents artistically with their community. Described by the director of one of the involved university departments as "community music therapy in action," the article also includes the reflections of music therapy students on their mentorship role in the program.

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. 

Short-Term Music Therapy Attention and Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMAART) for Prisoners with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Clare Macfarlane, Erik Masthoff, Laurien Hakvoort
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice
Country
Netherlands

A pilot study of a the SMAART music therapy protocol shows that it can help prisoners with a Post Traumatic Stres Disorder (PTSD) in a Penitentiary Psychiatric Center. Neurologic music therapy techniques, guided breathing, singing and rhythmic exercises were effective in reducing hyperarousal and improving attention among participants.

Silent sounding: Communicability, musicality and the use of music with nonspeaking individuals with cerebral palsies and multiple disabilities
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Efrat Roginsky & Cochavit Elefant
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Israel

Read a research article on the use of music in the lives of children with severe forms of cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities. Findings suggest that music is a very important method in allowing these children to connect with the world around them and interact with others, and that parents were often unaware of their child's potential, demonstrated especially through their musical interactions. Discussion for the collaboration between parents and professionals, particularly music therapists, is also included.

Simra - Exploring the World Through Music
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Simra was born with the rare conditions Lebers Amaurosis and Joubert Syndrome leaving her with total blindness as well as having poor muscle tone, co-ordination and balance. Watch as Simra explores the world through music with the help of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.

Singing to preterm infants during kangaroo care boosts maternal wellbeing
2020
Type of reference
General information
Author
Emily Henderson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
News Medical, Life Sciences
Country
Finland

This article discusses the positive benefits on well-being of adding music therapy to kangaroo care, which stresses the importance of skin to skin touch for preterm infants.