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.

General search

Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
509 results Clear all
'Autism is a way of being': An 'insider perspective' on neurodiversity, music therapy and social justice
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Hilary Davies
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Read an article exploring the concept of the neurodiversity movement and how it can be adopted in a music therapy context, written by an autistic music therapist. 

Benefits of Greeting Songs in Preschool Music Therapy Groups
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Harmony Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Jaycie Voorhees, a board-certified music therapist, shares why hello and goodbye songs are important in preschool group music therapy sessions. See how the children sing, move, and engage with the music to build social interaction and encourage active participation.

Benji - A Journey to Speech
2014
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

When Benji was born, he was like any other child... at around eighteen months his speech development started to regress and his parents noticed changes in his behaviour.

Benji was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of two and a half years old... and so the challenges for Benji and his family were now clear. Realising the long road ahead, Benji's parents were determined to give their son every opportunity for success in life. His music therapy journey begins here...  

Between Music and Medicine
2012
Type of reference
General information
Author
Robert Gupta
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks
Country
United States (USA)

When Robert Gupta was caught between a career as a doctor and a violinist, he realized his place was in the middle, with a bow in his hand and a sense of social justice in his heart. He tells a moving story of society's marginalized and the power of music therapy, which can succeed where conventional medicine fails. .

Blind spots in music therapy. Toward a critical notion of participation in context of children with visual impairment
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Brynjulf Stige, Maren Metell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Norway

This article explores and develops a critical notion of participation within the context of music therapy and blind/visually impaired children through a community music therapy and disability studies lens. Theoretical ideas that are relevant for practice, research, and further theoretical discussion are also included.

Bonjour mes amis! Hello my friends!
2020
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
French
Source / Publisher
Tiana Malone
Country
Canada

Tiana Malone, certified music therapist, sings a hello song in English and French for children and demonstrates how it can be implemented.

Click here to learn about the benefits of hello/goodbye songs for children.

Book of Abstracts: 13th European Music Therapy Conference 2025
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
European Music Therapy Conference
Country
Europe
International

The book of abstracts from the 13th European Music Therapy Congress that features the music therapy research and clinical work from music therapists in Europe and beyond.

Boom Boom in the Zoom Zoom Room : Online music therapy with children and adolescents with visual impairment
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Bill Ahessy
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Visual Impairment
Country
Ireland

The COVID-19 pandemic created a major transformation in the delivery of music therapy services worldwide as they moved online. Parents and their children with visual impairment participated in online music therapy sessions. Parents indicated that the programme was a valuable family resource that supported bonding and interaction. A discussion of the findings is followed by implications for practice.

Bridging the Clinic to Community: Music Performance as Social Transformation for Military Service Members
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Vaudreuil, Hannah Bronson, Joke Bradt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Country
United States (USA)

This article examines two cases of military service members treated with music therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and other psychological issues, highlighting how music performance can support personal growth, rehabilitation, and community change.

Bridging Western Music Therapy and the Ndëpp Ritual from Senegal
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Cathy Schmartz
Language
French
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Senegal

Read an article exploring the paralells and contrasts between Western music therapy and the Senegalese Ndëpp healing ritual. The author further explores the role, approach, and limits of music therapists in an increasingly globalized world, including the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue when supporting individuals from different cultures.

British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT)
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT)
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

The British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) is the professional association regrouping all music therapists in the United Kingdom.

British Journal of Music Therapy
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT)
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

The British Journal of Music Therapy (BJMT) is a peer-reviewed journal for music therapists and other professionals interested in all aspects of music therapy. It publishes original articles or essays that have direct relevance to the field of music therapy