Resources & references

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The purpose of our database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele.  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. 

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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175 results Clear all
Music Therapy Versus Cognitive Behavioural Therapy via Telehealth for Anxiety in Survivors of Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kevin Liou, Joke Bradt, Beatriz Currier, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Clinical Oncology
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article comparing the effects of telehealth sessions of music therapy to telehealth sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy on anxiety in cancer survivors. Results found that both interventions were led to significant improvements in anxiety levels. 

Music therapy with adult burn patients in the intensive care unit: short-term analysis of electrophysiological signals during music-assisted relaxation
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jose Cordoba-Silva, Rafael Maya, Mario Valderrama, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Scientific Reports
Country
Colombia

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 with Military and Veteran Populations
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Vaudreuil
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Country
United States (USA)

This reference book examines how music therapy complements traditional treatments for active military service members, veterans, and their families affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting its benefits in individual and group sessions, and the potential of virtual settings.

Music Therapy With Military Populations: A Scoping Review
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lori F. Gooding, Diane G. Langston
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This literature review examines music therapy treatment with active military service members and veterans. Common session formats and music experiences, the development of music therapy as a a profession, and gaps within the current body of research are discussed.

Music Therapy with Military Service Members and Veterans
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
V. Dougherty, S. Hawkins, J. Francis, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Music Therapy Association
Country
United States (USA)

This fact sheet, developed by the American Music Therapy Association, describes how music therapy is effective in supporting military service members and veterans. It describes how active and receptive music experiences can address physical, cognitive, communication, social, and emotional goals.

Music Therapy with Service Members and Veterans
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
William B. Davis, Barbara Else
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge
Country
United States (USA)

This chapter of the book Music and War in the United States offers a definition of music therapy and a brief history of the music therapy profession. It incudes a detailed review of the long history of using music therapy within the American military.

Click here to view the full book.

Music therapy's impact on resilience and affect in undergraduates
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Maria Osiowy & Corinne Syrnyk
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Creativity in Mental Health
Country
Canada

Read an article exploring the effectiveness of a music therapy intervention on resilience in undergraduate university students. Results demonstrated a positive impact on resilience and affect, regardless of what year of study a student is in. Limitations and implications for future research are also discussed. 

Musico-relational competencies: Examining the convergence of musical and relational competencies in improvisational group music therapy for people with borderline personality disorder
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jason Kenner
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Country
Australia

This thesis details a qualitative study on music therapy process resulting in the new concept of musico-relational competence. The project began with an exploration of music processes in the context of outpatient adult psychiatry. An ethnographic and ethnomusicological approach to the analysis of the video data (including music analysis) is used, focusing on the meaning making process of participants in the study.

Musicoterapia y una perspectiva histórica y sociológica sobre la muerte
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Pablo Sebastián de la Fuente
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Ecos. Revista científica de musicoterapia y disciplinas afines
Country
Argentina

This article presents how music therapy can be incorporated in end-of-life care, through the lens of Philippe Ariès' theories of death.

Musicothérapie à la maison de soins palliatifs Saint-Raphaël
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
French
Source / Publisher
Saint-Raphaël Palliative Care Home and Day Center
Country
Canada

This video features Anna Lacourse, certified music therapist who presents her work with a patient at the Saint-Raphaël Palliative Care Home and Day Center. The patient gives a testimonial and describes the benefits he has experienced through music therapy.

Musicothérapie : Bande à part chez Les Impatients
2011
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Bande à part
Country
Canada

Les Impatients is an organization that helps people living with mental health problems, offering art-based services. With Dany Bouchard, a certified music therapist, and people participating in his group music therapy sessions, the reporter Alexandre Courteau explored this discipline and shared some participants' testimonies on how music therapy has changed their life.

Musicothérapie et santé mentale : l’expérience de musicothérapeutes québécois
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Revue officielle de l’Association canadienne des musicothérapeutes
Country
Canada

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.