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.

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 therapists at the Montreal Children's Hospital explain how they use musical experiences to help babies, children, and adolscents with various needs express emotions, self-regulate, enhance relaxation, build social skills, and improve motor skills.

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.

Music therapist, Trish, explains what music therapy is, how it supports patients in pediatric medical settings, and what her job entails.

Read an article detailing the work of Rebecca Lappa, a music therapy masters student, who, having just completed a trial program with a hospital for her final practicum is now working with the hospital to find funding for a longer term project. She explains the ways that music therapy helps babies in the NICU, and also shares that she was a NICU baby herself.

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.