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!

Propose new references

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
77 results Clear all
Music Therapy Implications and Considerations for Individuals with Visual Impairments
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Amy Clements-Cortez, Hope Pascoe
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Music Educator
Country
Canada

This article provides background information on visual impairments and the impact of these disorders on social connectedness, activities of daily living, mood, quality of life, and child development. Implications and potential for music therapy for blind/visually impaired children and adults are discussed.

Music therapy in eating disorder treatment and its synergy with systemic and family-based therapy approaches: A systematic review
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sarah Seppendorf, Julia Hoorman, Artur C. Jaschke
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Germany
Netherlands
United Kingdom (UK)

This article examines how music therapy is integrated into eating disorder treatments. It reviews research on music, music therapy, and eating disorders, suggesting that music therapy may be a valuable complement to systemic and family-based approaches.

Music Therapy in Palliative Care
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Clare O’Callaghan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Oxford University Press
Country
Australia

This book chapter explains the effects of music therapy in palliative care. It is derived from the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine (5th Ed) published by the Oxford University Press. Note: The link includes the full text of the chapter (i.e., 18 pages plus references).

Music Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment with Tim Ringgold
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Tim Ringgold
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
WRAMTAS
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapist Tim Ringgold discusses the use of music therapy in substance abuse treatment, outlining his personal journey into the field, the five clinical goals summarized by the S.O.B.E.R. acronym, and related therapeutic interventions.

Music Therapy May Help Teens Cope with Cancer
2014
Type of reference
General information
Author
Mary Brophy Marcus
Language
English
Source / Publisher
WebMD
Country
United States (USA)

This article describes different techniques, interventions and outcomes of teens during cancer treatment. They describe how writing lyrics, making videos helped them get through grueling treatment and connect with others, study found.

Music Therapy & Medicine: A Dynamic Partnership
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapist Deforia Lane shares her experience of how music therapy has been used to help an unborn child. Dr Lane also takes you inside University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center to experience first hand the response of their patients to music therapy.

Music Therapy to Meet the Needs of Forcibly Displaced Children: Teachers', Music Therapy Students, and Administrators' Experiences from the Initial Phases of a School Project for Ukrainian Children
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Viggo Krüger, Julie Liisberg, Sanna Martine Sørum, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
Norway

Read an article about a music therapy program in a school setting with the goal of supporting refugee children as they settle into their host country. Results demonstrate the importance of cultural sensitivity, staff training, seeking external funding, and incorporating music therapy as part of a holistic approach for success in the program.

Music Therapy, with a focus on teenagers, at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Children's Hospital
Country
Canada

Music therapists at the Montreal Children's Hospital explain how they use instrument playing, songwriting and musical performance to help adolescents express emotions, relax, release excess energy, and discover new passions.

Music Therapy with Alex
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Discover the story of a teenage boy living with Angelman Syndrome, who received music therapy sessions to support goals such as communication, motor skills, and concentration. Watch as he plays instruments and participates in vocal activities, and hear reflections from his mother and music therapist on his treatment and development.

Music Therapy with Keith and Ryan
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

This video features twin brothers diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy who received individual music therapy sessions. Watch as they play instruments and sing to strengthen their communication, expression, and collaboration, and hear insights from their mother and music therapist in interviews.

Musical interaction with children and young people with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: a scoping review
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Linn Johnels, Simo Vehmas, & Jenny Wilder
Language
English
Source / Publisher
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
Country
International
Sweden

Read a scoping review on musical interaction in young people with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Findings highlight six categories of promising components of musical interaction and suggest that musical activities, including music therapy, have positive benefits in a number of domains for this population.

Musicoterapia e infancia en relación a los comportamientos disruptivos
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Adela Rial-Pereira, Fernando Serrano-Soria
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
La Revista de investigación en musicoterapia MiSOSTENIDO

This research article investigates a music therapy program that uses music improvisation to enhance emotional wellbeing and social skills among elementary school students displaying behaviour challenges.