Resources & references

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.

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.

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.

Read an article on the use of music therapy for non-intubated premature babies in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting. Results demonstrated significant decrease in distress and heart rate and increase in oxygen saturation levels after a single 15-minute music therapy session. Reflections on the potential role of music therapy on breathing as a primary rehabilitation focus for neonates is also discussed.

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

Discover what music therapy is, how it can be implemented, and the therapeutic areas it can support, as explained by music therapist Gabriela Echauri.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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