Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

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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.

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Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
187 results Clear all
Music is therapy for palliative patients and families
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Covenant Health Canada
Country
Canada

This video presents music therapy sessions at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital in the Tertiary Palliative Care Unit led by Sheila Killoran, certified music therapist.

Music therapists promote well-being
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Alberta Health Services
Country
Canada

This video features an individual who was paralyzed due to a motor vehicle collision and participated in music therapy sessions. The video includes clips of music therapy sessions, testimonials from the patient, and interviews from certified music therapists.

Music Therapy and Addiction Treatment
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
Country
United States (USA)

This fact sheet from the American Music Therapy Association provides information about music therapy practices for substance abuse recovery. This page provides information on potential outcomes of music therapy, contraindications for music therapy, the clinical process, research areas, and a client testimonial.

Music Therapy and Aphasia
2009
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Institute for Music and Neurologic Function
Country
United States (USA)

What would you think if you met a person who had lost his ability to speak after having a stroke, but who could sing with perfect clarity? Harvey Alter, president and founder of the International Aphasia Movement, spoke regarding his first-hand experience on music's power to heal at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function's 2008 Music Has Power Awards Benefit.

Click here to find out more about the therapeutic use of music in speech rehabilitation.

Music therapy and music medicine interventions with adult burn patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sofia Monsalve-Duarte, William Betancourt-Zapata, Nicolas Suarez-Cañon, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Burns
Country
Colombia

Pain is one of the most common and difficult symptoms to manage in adult burn patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This systematic review and meta-analysis provide an update of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) using music therapy or music medicine interventions with adult burn patients. It provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of music interventions this population. However, more high-quality RCTs are needed to establish guidelines.

Music Therapy and Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review from 2015–2020
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Manuel Joaquín Machado Sotomayor, Víctor Arufe-Giráldez, Gerardo Ruíz-Rico, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Country
Ecuador
Spain

This  systematic review examines existing scientific literature on the effects of music therapy on individuals living with Parkinson's disease. Results display a great diversity of evidence, confirming positive effects on in motor, communication, emotional, and cognitive skills.

Music Therapy and Recovery in Mental Health: Seeking a Way Forward
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Tríona McCaffrey, Catherine Carr, Hans Petter Solli, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
Australia
Ireland
Norway
United Kingdom (UK)

A research paper offering theoretical perspectives from music therapy researchers around the world on the implications of music therapy as a recovery-oriented practice in mental health and recommendations to maximize support for recovery of mental health patients.

Music therapy applied to complex blast injury in interdisciplinary care: a case report
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Vaudreuil, Luis Avila, Joke Bradt, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Disability and Rehabilitation
Country
United States (USA)

This case report highlights how neurologic music therapy supported the interdisciplinary rehabilitation of a severely injured American service member, improving physical, cognitive, speech, and language skills while offering emotional support.

Music Therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital
2026
Type of reference
General information
Language
Cantonese
French
Mandarin
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation
Country
Canada

Watch a video demonstrating some of the uses of music therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital. Music therapist Josephine Lee sings in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Interviews are also featured in French, English and Mandarin about both the music therapy services and the Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation in general.

Music therapy could help manage the pain of bereavement
2024
Type of reference
General information
Author
Lisa Graha-Wisener, Tracey McConnell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation
Country
Ireland

This article explains how music therapy can help people cope with grief in a variety of ways. It can help create connection with a deceased loved one. It can help those grieving to explore spirituality (hope and meaning in life) and deal with challenging emotions. Many people have an intimate connection to the songs that have helped them through bereavement.

Music Therapy for Adults with Mental Health and Substance Use Conditions
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
Country
United States (USA)

This fact sheet from the American Music Therapy Association provides information about music therapy practices for adults with mental health and substance use challenges. This page provides information on relevant definitions and statistics, the types of mental health settings in which music therapists work, potential outcomes of music therapy, contraindications for music therapy, the clinical process, and effectiveness research.

Music Therapy for Bereavement
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Lumara Grief & Bereavement Care Society
Country
Canada

In this video, an incredible family shares their story of how Music Therapy at Camp Kerry improved their lives after the death of their loved one.