Resources & references

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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
154 results Clear all
Music Therapy Implications and Considerations for Individuals with Visual Impairments
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Amy Clements-Cortez, Hope Pascoe
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Music Educator
Country
Canada

This article provides background information on visual impairments and the impact of these disorders on social connectedness, activities of daily living, mood, quality of life, and child development. Implications and potential for music therapy for blind/visually impaired children and adults are discussed.

Music therapy improves the health of premature babies and boosts parental bonding
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Elizabeth Coombes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation
Country
United States (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)
Wales

 Music therapy improves the health of premature babies and boosts parental bonding.

Click here to watch a video about this article. 

Music Therapy in Palliative Care
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Clare O’Callaghan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Oxford University Press
Country
Australia

This book chapter explains the effects of music therapy in palliative care. It is derived from the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine (5th Ed) published by the Oxford University Press. Note: The link includes the full text of the chapter (i.e., 18 pages plus references).

Music Therapy & Medicine: A Dynamic Partnership
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapist Deforia Lane shares her experience of how music therapy has been used to help an unborn child. Dr Lane also takes you inside University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center to experience first hand the response of their patients to music therapy.

Music Therapy Program at SickKids
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Country
Canada

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. 

Music Therapy - The Nebraska Medical Center
2010
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Nebraska Medicine Nebraska Medical Center
Country
United States (USA)

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 Therapy to Meet the Needs of Forcibly Displaced Children: Teachers', Music Therapy Students, and Administrators' Experiences from the Initial Phases of a School Project for Ukrainian Children
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Viggo Krüger, Julie Liisberg, Sanna Martine Sørum, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
Norway

Read an article about a music therapy program in a school setting with the goal of supporting refugee children as they settle into their host country. Results demonstrate the importance of cultural sensitivity, staff training, seeking external funding, and incorporating music therapy as part of a holistic approach for success in the program.

Music therapy, with a focus on babies, at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Children's Hospital
Country
Canada

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.

Music Therapy with Charlotte & Elsee - Speech Exercise- The Introduction Song
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Linton Milano Piano
Country
United States (USA)

Charlotte Stewart, a board-certified music therapist, sings a hello song to a child during an individual music therapy session, helping the child develop their verbal communication skills through singing.

Music Therapy with Hudson - 1
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Watch how music therapist Belinda Burns works with Hudson, a young boy with developmental delays.

Click here to watch a video of Hudson's progress three years later.

Music Therapy with Hudson - 2
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Watch how music therapist Belinda Burns works with Hudson, a young boy with developmental delays.

Click here to watch a video of Hudson's music therapy treatment three years prior.

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