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
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64 results
Remini-Sing RCT: Therapeutic Choir Participation for Community-Dwelling People with Dementia and Their Primary Caregivers
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Zara Thompson, Imogen N Clark, Kate Teggelove, Felicity A Baker
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Remini-Sing RCT, community-based therapeutic choirs led by music therapists and offered to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Preliminary results  showed a decrease in anxiety and depression. Considering the limited number of participants, the article also addresses the issue of  recruitment and retention of participants, to help future research and improve sustainability of such programs.

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

This paper hopes to provide an insight into the role of music therapy as a Salutogenic approach within a biopsychosocial framework and its need to be accepted in the Indian context. Music therapy may play the role with preventative and curative periods of treatment, as well as support to cope and acceptance toward the inevitable for the patient as well for the caregivers. Music therapy provides a biopsychosocial and holistic approach to palliative care.

Sample Music Therapy Group Session
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
mmlearn.org

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.

 

Social and Emotional Wellbeing for First Nation Elders through Three Way Design, Creation, and Reflection
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Anthony “Tony” Duwun Lee, Gucki Reissenberger, Dr. Michelle Moss
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Journal of Music Therapy

This paper presents a three-way collaboration between a registered music therapist, art therapist and Aboriginal Elder, healer, and artist in Australia. Participants created a yarning project along with music that complemented their artwork, to support social and emotional wellbeing of First Nation Elders living with dementia. 

Striking a Chord - Music Therapy at St. Martha's Hospital
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nova Scotia Health Authority Page

 Since late 2013, music therapist Tom Curry has provided individual and group based music therapy services at St. Martha's Regional in Antigonish, arranged through the Arts Health Antigonish (AHA!) community collaboration.

Study finds music therapy brings effective pain relief for sickle cell patients
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Medical Xpress

This is a summary of a study, which reveals promising findings for the application of improvisational music therapy in assuaging the multidimensional acute pain of adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). 

The benefits of music therapy for older Australians
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Music Therapy Association

This document describes how music therapy can benefit elderly and their caregivers, particularly in Australia. It explains what music therapy is, its affordability and accessibility in Australia, and how it can improve the quality of life among adults with dementia, anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The effects of music therapy on engagement in family caregiver and care receiver couples with dementia
2002
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Alicia Ann Clair
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of caregiver-implemented music applications on engagement with their care receivers. Music therapy applications are effective in increasing mutual engagement in couples with dementia, and caregivers can effectively facilitate the engagement using music. Furthermore, once the engagement is established, it carries over into visitation without music.

The Impact of Group Music Therapy on Depression and Cognition in Elderly Persons With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Hsin Chu, Chyn-Yng Yang, Kuei-Ru Chou
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Biological research for Nursing

The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of group music therapy for improving depression and delaying the deterioration of cognitive functions in elderly persons with dementia. The group music intervention is a noninvasive and inexpensive therapy that appeared to reduce elders’ depression. 
 

The role of songwriting in accepting visual impairments
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
ArtEZ

This story explores the research of Jorien Habing, a master’s student in Music Therapy at the ArtEZ, University of the Arts in Netherlands, who is one of the few music therapists in the Netherlands working with people with visual impairments. She explains: "Music therapy plays a role in facilitating the acceptance process of blindness." For her final research, Jorien examined the role of songwriting to help individuals in this new target population adjust to living with visual impairment.

The spiritual meaning of pre-loss music therapy to bereaved caregivers of advanced cancer patients
2009
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lucanne Magill
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Palliative and Supportive Care

The aim of this study was to learn how music therapy sessions, held prior to the death of a loved one, impact spirituality in surviving caregivers of advanced cancer patients. Pre-loss music therapy can potentially assist caregivers during times of bereavement, as they retain memories of joy and empowerment, rather than memories of pain and distress, and find meaning through transcendence.

The Transformative Thread of Music Therapy
2022
Type of reference
General information
Author
Chiltern Music Therapy
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Chiltern Music Therapy

This video shares the story of three people who have been supported through the power of music.
Music therapy helps people of all ages find their voice. Music therapy is unique in connecting at an emotional level, while improving speech, movement and learning skills.