Resources & references

Music therapy is an ancient and yet very modern practice that has the power to heal and transform our brains and bodies in significant ways. Kathleen Howland, speech language and music therapist explains how music really does have the power to heal our brain and heart.

This article describes the ways music therapy has been applied to help children cope with anxiety related disorders

This video exposes a case study of a child who was born without eyes and has always feared medical procedures. She is enrolled in music therapy at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s to decrease her anxiety.

Read an overview of research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) from the book Trauma-Informed Music Therapy, descriptions of key components of resilience in child development and trauma-informed care, and recommendations for music therapists.

This study examined telehealth Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) sessions for autistic children. Results determined improved motor skills and positive feedback from caregivers and therapists, suggesting telehealth NMT as a promising support for motor development.

Read an article exploring the use of music therapy for hospitalized children and, more specifically, the development and creation of heartbeat songs for families with a critically ill child, as a palliative measure. It also includes the description of the impact these songs can have, by featuring commentary from the parents of a baby who died.

This article provides a review of current studies on music therapy interventions and children with acquired brain injury (ABI). The results explore the benefits of music therapy interventions, the use of music therapy as a motivator, and professional collaboration.

An intervention guide for music therapists and recreation/activity staff in retirement and long-term care homes, offering intergenerational music therapy experiences that support the health and well-being of both younger and older participants.

Click here to watch a video of this program.

The Jamboree is an intergenerational music therapy program where children and their accompanying adults join residents in retirement or long term care homes for weekly group sessions of singing, movement, instrument play, and guided social interaction led by a certified music therapist.

Click here to read the intervention guide of this program.

Read about an interprofessional (occupational therapy and music therapy) keyboarding intervention program for visually impaired preschoolers. Results demonstrated an improvement in fine motor skills following 6 weeks of 20-minute biweekly sessions.

Read an article discussing the use of music in the lives of children with Batten Disease. Three key themes are discussed: music and well-being, music's role in supporting functional skills, and the use of music in care settings. Findings also suggest that access to more structure intervention forms, such as music therapy, is important for this population.

The DRUMBEAT program uses drumming to engage at-risk youth in musical expression and discussions on healthy relationships. Findings support its theory that integrating music therapy with cognitive–behavioural principles promotes emotional control, better relationships, and higher self-esteem.