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
154 results Clear all
‘It’s lovely to be able to communicate with her’: Music therapy helps Kia to finally find her voice
2024
Type of reference
General information
Author
Alice Hinds
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Sunday Post
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Read how Nordoff Robbins music therapy helped a child with complex needs improve communication and self-expression, with testimonials from her mother and therapist.

Click here to watch a live Nordoff Robbins music therapy session.

Ivy’s Story - Music Therapy at BC Children’s Hospital
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Heals
Country
Canada

This video features the story of a young patient's healing from leukemia, who benefitted from music therapy during her hospital stay. Testimonials from the child, the parents, the music therapist and a pediatrician are shown.

Los beneficios de la musicoterapia
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Telemadrid
Country
Spain

Learn about a child with a neurologic disorder who received music therapy services and watch interviews from the child's mother, the music therapist, and a music therapy student.

Mark Ettenberger y la música como herramienta terapéutica
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
MaguaRED
Country
Colombia

An interview with Mark Ettenberger, an experienced music therapist in Colombia. He describes what music therapy is, its benefits, how it can be applied clinically and how it can support early childhood development.

Click here to watch a video interview of Mark Ettenberger.

Mewsic Moves: Transforming Developmental Disabilities into Abilities through Music Therapy
2013
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Mewsic Moves
Country
United States (USA)

Watch how 3 music therapists — John Mews, Cristin Bostrom, and Nam Kyo Kim — work with children with developmental disabilities and their families.

More than just drumming - see what's really happening!
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
Cantonese
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

Watch music therapist Winnie Choy lead a drumming activity with her client to build finger strength and coordination, learning to take turns, listen and share, and practice communicating in her home language, Cantonese.

Murcia Conecta 7TV - Vientos Sonoros Musicoterapia
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Vientos Sonoros -Enseñanza Musical y Musicoterapia
Country
Spain

Watch how children 0-2 and their parents engage in interactive music experiences to address developmental milestones in a music therapy group called "Danzando en Pañales" (Dancing in Diapers). 

Music and Life in the Field of Play: An Anthology
2006
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Carolyn Kenny
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)

This anthology of Carolyn Kenny’s works (1979–2006) showcases her writings and contributions to music therapy and Indigenous studies, revealing the deep interplay between these fields and integrating multiple disciplines that shape music therapy education, practice, and research.

Music as medicine at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Hayley Juhl
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Gazette
Country
Canada

Music therapists at the Montreal Children’s Hospital use instruments, vocals, and musical experiences to support children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional goals while promoting healing and a sense of safety for children and their parents through music therapy.

Music class provides therapy for children with vision loss
2020
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TMJ4 News
Country
United States (USA)

This news report describes the impact of music therapy on blind/visually impaired children.

Music for Speech and Language Development in Early Childhood Populations
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Andrew Knight, Paige Rabon
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
United States (USA)

This literature review explores existing research pertaining to speech and language development in young children, both in the field of music therapy and from other fields which may be relevant to music therapy practice. It seeks to determine the treatment implications for music therapists.

Click here to watch a playlist of music videos to target speech sounds.

Music Interventions and Group Participation Skills of Preschoolers with Visual Impairments: Raising Questions about Music, Arousal, and Attention
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sheri L. Robb
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This study compares the impact of play-based and music-based group sessions on attention behaviours in blind/visually impaired preschoolers. Results indicated greater attentive behaviour in the music-based sessions.