Resources & references

This study examined whether a single session of music therapy led by a board-certified therapist could reduce agitation in hospice patients using the entrainment principle. Findings suggest it may be an effective treatment for hospice patients experiencing agitation.

The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the efficacy of a music therapy protocol on mood states and levels of group cohesiveness in adult oncology patients. Participants took part in "music making" sessions (where the mechanism for change included the process of making music) and "music responding" sessions (where the mechanism included the process of responding to music). 

Read a meta-analysis investigating the effects of music on pain. Results indicate that music therapy may be an effective complementary approach for the relief of acute, procedural, and chronic pain in the medical setting.

Read about a study exploring the efficacy of music therapy during dressing changes in burn patients. Results indicate a significant decrease in acute procedural pain, anxiety and muscle tension levels associated with daily burn care.

This article describes work by music therapists to support patients in medically assisted dying, and discusses the role music therapy can play for individuals with these needs.

Read a study evaluating the impact of group music therapy sessions among patients undergoing chemotherapy and their caregivers. Results showed reduced anxiety and stress, improved wellbeing for both patients and caregivers, and fewer chemotherapy-related side effects in patients.

Watch how music therapy helped a young girl with Kawasaki Disease Shock Syndrome improve her physical abilities and quality of life. Hear from her mother and music therapist, Christy Merrell, as they reflect on her journey and progress.

Read an article discussing a new program allying the fields of health care and the arts. The program consists of 6 group music therapy sessions targeting emotional well-being for individuals with chronic pain. The unique setting for this program, in an auditorium rather than a clinical space, exemplifies the blending of the two fields.

The aim of this study was to learn how music therapy sessions, held prior to the death of a loved one, impact spirituality in surviving caregivers of advanced cancer patients. Pre-loss music therapy can potentially assist caregivers during times of bereavement, as they retain memories of joy and empowerment, rather than memories of pain and distress, and find meaning through transcendence.

This research article studies the effects of music therapy for patients with a terminal illness who are receiving end-of-life care within a family context. It studies the impact that music therapy can have on patients' immune system, quality of life, quality of sleep, and anxiety and depression levels.

Read an article that discusses the underlying neural mechanisms of pain across the lifespan, and how various aspects of music-based intervention may assist in pain management.

This article presents a study exploring the use of music therapy interventions for pain management in adults. Findings show that recreative and music-assisted relaxation and imagery interventions were significantly more likely to reduce pain intensity than receptive only interventions and also suggest that male patients, medicaid beneficiaries, and patients with sickle cell disease were less likely to report pain reduction.

Click here to read the referenced study.