Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

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The purpose of our database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele.  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. 

Note (*) : the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
Format

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83 results
Music Therapy with Families: Therapeutic Approaches and Theoretical Perspectives
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Stine Lindahl Jacobsen, Grace Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jessica Kingsley Publishers

This book describes well-defined models of music therapy for working with families in different clinical areas, ranging from families with special needs children or dying family members through to families in psychiatric or paediatric hospital settings. International contributors discuss their specific approaches and share case studies. Particular emphasis is placed on connecting theory and clinical practice and on discussing the challenges and relevance of each model.

Music Therapy With Trauma Patients and Their Families on a Pediatric Service
1984
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Laura Mc Donnell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

 Music therapy can uniquely help severely injured children and their families deal with the events surrounding an accident and its aftermath. The use of music therapy in treating these families on a pediatric service is described and illustrated with a fracture patient and a burn patient

Musique, musicothérapie et développement de l'enfant
2005
Type of reference
General information
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Éditions CHU Sainte-Justine, collection du CHU Sainte-Justine pour les parents
Country
Canada

This book is available in an official English edition by the Publisher.

This book, written by music therapist Guylaine Vaillancourt, is divided in two parts. This book is intended to make parents, educators and care-givers aware of how music and music therapy can benefit children. It also explains how the purposeful use of music by music therapy professionals can restore, maintain or enhance physical and psychological well-being of children.

See the record of the book Music, Music Therapy and Child Development
 


 

Parents’ Views with Music Therapy in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Vladimir L. Cousin, Hubert Colau, Francisca Barcos-Munoz, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children
Country
Switzerland

This study suggests that music therapy may help manage anxiety and pain in pediatric intensive care (PICU), with parents reporting benefits for both their own and their children’s psychological well-being.

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.

Qué es la musicoterapia? - Natalia Garbarets
2020
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Más que palabras
Country
Spain

Music therapist Natalia Garbarets explains what music therapy is, how it differs from musical education, and what are its benefits.

Queering Queer Spaces: Journey of a Creative Arts Program for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Creative Youth
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Spencer Hardy, Juniper Monypenny
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

As community spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals continue to expand and evolve, a variety of music and art-based programs have begun to develop. This article seeks to present a therapy program developped by an art therapist and a music therapist, targeted towards transgender, nonbinary, gender creative, and questioning youth, age 10-14, who are seeking support in navigating their gender identity and the challenges of identifying outside of the “norm” of cisgender. At a crossroads between traditional clinical mental health services and community-based approaches, it addresses the intentionality behind “queering” this program development as well as a spectrum of challenges and opportunities faced in piloting the program.

Reporting on outcomes: An adaptation of the ‘AQR-instrument’ used to evaluate music therapy in autism
2012
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Martin Lawes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

This article introduces an adaptation of the music therapy and autism specific AQR-instrument. The author developed this adaptation following the requirement to report on the outcomes of his work at a school for children with autism. After introducing the AQR-instrument, the author describes how his adaptation enables him to produce bar charts illustrating client progress. 

Resilience, music therapy, and human adaptation: Nurturing young children and families
2009
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Varvara Pasiali
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

The purpose of this theoretical paper is to examine current literature in developmental psychology in order to discuss how music therapy can foster resilience in early childhood. Music therapy can help prepare young children and their families for handling adversity, increase parental sensitivity, and create multiple opportunities for families to develop adaptive interpersonal interaction patterns.

Simra - Exploring the World Through Music
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Simra was born with the rare conditions Lebers Amaurosis and Joubert Syndrome leaving her with total blindness as well as having poor muscle tone, co-ordination and balance. Watch as Simra explores the world through music with the help of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.

Social-emotional learning through a drumming intervention
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jennifer StGeorge; Emily Freeman.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
Australia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the program DRUMBEAT (Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes and Thoughts), a ten-week school-based intervention. Linear mixed model analyses showed there were significant improvements in students’ self-esteem, and internalising and externalising behaviours, as reported by students and teachers. Drumming has the potential to draw young people into an educative environment where rhythm, collaboration and discussion can enhance understanding of intra- and interpersonal processes.

Special Education Resources : 2 Easy-to-Learn Hello Songs
2013
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Ryan Judd
Country
United States (USA)

Ryan Judd, a board-certified music therapist, explains why hello songs are used in music therapy sessions. He also provides an example of a hello song and demonstrates how it can be adapted for both children and teenagers.