Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

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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.

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Type of reference
Clients
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70 results Clear all
ParkinSong Online: protocol for a telehealth feasibility study of therapeutic group singing for people with Parkinson’s disease
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Meg E Morris, Felicity A Baker, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMJ Open
Country
Australia

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online mode of delivery for a Parkinson’s singing intervention (ParkinSong) as well as remote data collection procedures. This mode of delivery aims to increase the accessibility of singing interventions.

Parkinsonics: A Randomized, Blinded, Cross-Over Trial of Group Singing for Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms in Idiopathic Parkinson Disease
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ankur Butala, Kevin Li, Aathman Swaminathan, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Parkinson's Disease
Country
United States (USA)

Discover how a group singing intervention was used to target vocal motor and nonmotor goals in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Results showed that weekly group singing may improve certain aspects of conversational voice volume and quality of life in Parkinson's disease. 

Parkinson's and Music Therapy
2012
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Norton Healthcare
Country
United States (USA)

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.

Polio Music Therapy
2010
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Trust Fund
Country
Canada

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

Proposing Music-based Interventions for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms: Current Evidence and Future Directions
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Adriano Mollica, Michael Thaut, Matthew J. Burke
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry
Country
Canada

Read how music-based interventions can be used as a treatment strategy for neurologic and psychiatric patients. These interventions can target both cortical and subcortical areas governing attention, working memory, planning and flexibility, and can modulate these areas over time. 

Review on the Relationship Between Sound and Movement in Sports and Rehabilitation
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nina Schaffert, Thenille Braun Janzen, Klaus Mattes, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Country
Canada
Germany

Review of current literature on sound, movement, and rhythmic auditory information showing that it can improve movement execution, control, and relearning processes in sports and motor rehabilitation.

RMTs Change Lives Series - Episode 3 - Thomo's Story
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Music Therapy Association
Country
Australia

Testimonial of a gentleman who participated in music therapy after experiencing a dirt bike accident. He explains how music therapy helped his neurorehabilitation, such as walking, and memory skills.

Click here to watch an interview explaining this video further.

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

This document describes how music therapy can benefit elderly and their caregivers. 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 Clinical Neuroscience of Music: Evidence Based Approaches and Neurologic Music Therapy - Editorial
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Michael H. Thaut, Gerard Francisco, Volker Hoemberg
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Neuroscience
Country
Canada
United States (USA)
Germany

Read about the neuroscience supporting the use of music, and, more specifically, neurologic music therapy, to target non-musical tasks in neurorehabilitation and neurodevelopment.

The Effect of Music Therapy on Mood States in Neurological Patients: A Pilot Study
2002
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Wendy L. Magee, Jane W. Davidson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This research article investigates how music therapy influences the mood levels of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TB), and other types of brain injuries. The results demonstrated that participants had elevated mood levels after engaging in individual music therapy sessions.

The Effectiveness of Music as a Mnemonic Device on Recognition Memory for People with Multiple Sclerosis
2008
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kimberly Sena Moore, David A. Peterson, Geoffrey O'Shea, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This study examines how music can serve as a mnemonic to improve memory recognition in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

The impact of music therapy and music-based interventions on the psychiatric and psychological outcomes of traumatic brain injury: a systematic review
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Maria Camilla P. Estelle, Allison N Marino, Rina Tabuchi, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Read a systematic review exploring the effects of music-based interventions (MBIs), including music therapy, on psychological and psychatirc outcomes in adults patients with traumatic brain injuries. Results suggest that MBIs may have a positive effect on these symptoms in this population, however, future research is needed.