Resources & references

Read an article exploring a community music therapy project with the overall goal of a collective rethinking of masculinity to help prevent gender-based violence. Findings found the project to be successful at empowering men to take action.

Music therapy enhances neuroplasticity among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Watch interviews from medical professionals and a music therapist, testimonials from clients, and live music therapy experiences.

This literature review examines the impact of music therapy in improving physiological, psychological, cognitive and emotional functioning among patients with physical, neurological, and developmental disabilities.

This story explores Jorien Habing's research examining the role of songwriting to help individuals who have acquired blindness or visual impairment adjust to their new reality. 

Read how musical interaction supported by a qualified music therapist can offer a potential pathway for improved attachment between parent and infant. This article is also available in a French full-text translation. 

In this video series, Berklee College of Music Faculty Dr. Suzanne B. Hanser, a board certified music therapist, and Annette Philip, founder and director of the renowned Berklee Indian Ensemble, share simple strategies from the Berklee Online course "Music Therapy Techniques for Wellness" to help you enrich your mind, body, and spirit through music.

Read an article presenting two case studies of music therapy, in particular, improvisational music therapy and neurologic music therapy, to target social and communication goals in young multiply-disabled children.

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.

Read a bibliometric analysis of global music therapy research from 2000 to 2019. Results indicate that the overall trend in research is positive, and that the United States is leading in published studies.

This video features three people of various ages and needs, including a person living with Parkinson's disease, who have benefited from music therapy. It includes testimonials and shows music therapy experiences that addressed goals such as enhancing emotional expression, mood, movement, speech, cognitive functioning, and quality of life.

This study investigated the impact of a drumming experience on student's agressivity in adolescent males as part of a program addressing school violence. Results found a positive impact of drumming on reducing anger as well as an increase in areas such as self-esteem, cooperation, empathy, active listening and emotional expression.

Read a systematic review of the music therapy literature addressing the psychosocial needs of informal caregivers. Results indicated generally positive impacts on caregivers, and that the most common format of sessions involved both caregivers and care receivers jointly.