Resources & references

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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. 

Note (*) : the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
Format

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155 results
Global perspectives on addressing systemic issues in music therapy curricula and healthcare
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Amy Clements-Cortés, Melissa Mercadal-Brotons, Hakeem Leonard, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 24(1)
Country
Austria
Brazil
Canada
United States (USA)
Hong Kong
Norway
Spain

The discipline of music therapy is practiced differently across the globe and over the years, in all regions of the world, the number of music therapy training programs has expanded. This article focuses on the challenges and issues faced by the discipline of music therapy and health in general, based on the analysis of systemic issues in education and training, social issues, and significant issues such as multiculturalism, equity, and race around the world.

Group Telehealth Music Therapy With Caregivers: A Qualitative Inquiry
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Annabelle Brault, Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Patient Experience
Country
Canada

This qualitative study explored the experiences of informal caregivers of older adults who took part in group telehealth music therapy. Semi-structured interviews with 5 women caregivers were conducted. Through a thematic analysis process, the following themes were identified: (a) affordances of group telehealth music therapy, (b) challenges of group telehealth music therapy, and (c) music as a health resource. Telehealth considerations, clinical implications, as well as ways to support caregiver agency are discussed.

Guidelines for Music Therapy Practice in Adult Medical Care
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Joy Allen
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)
International

This book presents knowledge on medical music therapy, covering work with adult patients across medical units and procedures, including various diseases and disorders.

Healing connects through music therapy
2014
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jodi Winnwalker
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks
Country
United States (USA)

Music Therapist Jodi Winnwalker shares the connective and healing power of music.

Heartbeat Music Therapy Helps Parents Cope with Loss of Teen
2014
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Cincinnati Children's
Country
United States (USA)

Brian Schreck, a music therapist at Cincinnati Children's, helps patients and families dealing with a serious illness or end-of-life diagnosis cope and grieve through innovative music therapy.  In this video, the Bennett family describes how the therapy helped them through the loss of their 14-year-old son, Dylan. They listen to the song every single day.

How Does Music Therapy Help with Addiction Treatment?
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Addiction Rehab
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Addiction Rehab Toronto
Country
Canada

This article examines music therapy's role in supporting addiction recovery, the types of musical experiences that benefit this clientele, and its potential limitations.

How music therapy is helping psychiatric patients heal at UofL Health
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
UofL Health
Country
United States (USA)

University of Louisville (UofL) Health is integrating music therapy into its care plan for inpatient psychiatric patients at UofL Hospital. This video introduces you to Katelyn Farris, the music therapist who is helping patients relax and recover through the soothing sounds of music.

Impact of sociodemographic, clinical, and intervention characteristics on pain intensity within a single music therapy session
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Samuel N. Rodgers-Melnick, Douglas Gunzler, Thomas E. Love, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain
Country
United States (USA)

This study explores the sociodemographic, clinical and intervention characteristics associated with clinically significant pain reductions for adults within a single music therapy session. Findings suggest that interventions involving singing, active instrument play, and relaxation/imagery may be more effective than interventions only involving listening. 

Click here to read a news article about the study.

Implementing music therapy through telehealth: considerations for military populations
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Vaudreuil, Diane G. Langston, Wendy L. Magee, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Disability and Rehabilitation
Country
United States (USA)
Uganda

This article presents three cases of military members, ex-child soldiers, and veterans in telehealth music therapy, showing positive responses and reductions in pain, anxiety, and depression, alongside key clinical, ethical, and technological insights.

Innovative music therapy in Calgary hopes to help people walk again - Video
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Global News
Country
Canada

This video presents how music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals.  It includes patient testimonies and perspectives from a music therapist.  

Click here to read the related article

Innovative music therapy in Calgary hopes to help people walk again
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jil Croteau
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Global News
Country
Canada

Music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals

It’s Like we Have Our Own Rhythm: Music Therapeutic Affect Regulation in a Case Study of a Traumatized Patient in Mental Health Treatment
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Oda Dypvik Bjørke, Bolette Daniels Beck
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices
Country
Denmark
Norway

This research article presents a case study of an adult man with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who participated in music therapy sessions. The results determined that music improvisation improved affect regulation, exploration of trauma-related issues, and self-agency.