Resources & references

This video shows work by music therapist Carolyn Williams with children at Sick Kids Medical Hospital. Parents talk about the impact that music therapy has had on the development and the recovery of their child, while the music therapist comments on the actions and reactions of the children in the video. 

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a single music therapy session to reduce pain in palliative care patients. This research validates that a single music therapy intervention incorporating therapist-guided autogenic relaxation and live music was effective in lowering pain in palliative care patients.

Watch how certified music therapist Bridget Shevlin intervenes in a pediatric hospital centre to support children with complex illnesses at different moments, but even as they undergo medical treatments.

Pascal Comeau is part of the team of music therapists working at this hospital. With a variety of instruments, Pascal does much more than make music. By cleverly using soothing sounds, bright colors and fun shapes, he helps children who are admitted to the hospital for long periods of time or who have frequent appointments express their stress, fears and other feelings through music. For children with physical disabilities, playing an instrument and moving to the beat of the music can even improve their motor skills. In this video, find out more about the fascinating profession of music therapist!

Julien Peyrin is part of the team of music therapists working at this hospital. With his Handpan, Julien creates links with the adolescents of our psychiatric unit. Through musical exchanges with them, he allows them to manage their emotions through creation. Patients write and record their songs or musical performances and choose music that calms them or helps them fall asleep. They also have the opportunity to release excess energy by playing a percussion instrument. This non-judgmental therapeutic approach is proving successful. Not only do patients report feeling progress at the end of their sessions, some even report discovering a new passion!

This study analyzes electrophysiological signals during Music-Assisted Relaxation (MAR) with adult burn patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Results showed increased parasympathetic system activity, attention shifts, reduced muscle tone, and relaxation.

 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

Music therapist and researcher Mark Ettenberger explains what music therapy is, who it can benefit, how it can be applied, and what are its therapeutic benefits.

This study explores the experiences of music therapists working with adults in mental health settings across Quebec, both in the community and in hospitals. It highlights their reflections and recommendations to support the expansion of music therapy services in mental health.

This book chapter examines the uses of music therapy for pain management in adults medical settings. It delineates criteria for referral and assessment, and an overview of methods and techniques.

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.

The primary purpose of this study was to understand family members’ perceptions of music therapy experienced by a relative in palliative medicine or hospice. Patient self-reported scales and music therapist assessment of change were also investigated. Patients reported statistically significant improvement in pain, depression, distress, and mood scores. Family members of patients in palliative medicine and hospice settings reported an immediate positive impact of music therapy on the patient and on themselves.