Resources & references

This study is about music therapy with adolescents undergoing chemotherapy.  A significant reduction in anxiety, nausea and vomiting was observed. Furthermore, perceived stress and psychological/physical wellbeing were improved in participants. 

This article examines the impact of music therapy on adults participating in employment training programs or actively seeking work, after receiving online music therapy sessions designed to enhance emotional regulation and stress management. Music therapy significantly improved emotional resilience, overall well-being, and employability among participants.

This study explores the effects of singing on respiratory function, voice, mood, and quality of life for people with quadriplegia. Results showed that group music therapy can have a positive effect on physical outcomes, mood, energy, social participation, and quality of life.

Read an article looking at the effectiveness of a music therapy protocol as an adjunct treatment to standard neurorehabilitation programs for children with severe neurological disorders affecting multiple domains.

Read a study which looks at the impact of combining 5 music approaches (Orff-Schulwerk, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Music, the Mozart Effect and Neurologic Music Therapy) into one integrative music therapy approach. This approach was designed to target attention, emotional self-regulation and social interaction in 5-6 year old children with diagnoses of severe autism spectrum disorder. Results found significant improvements in all tested domains. 

This study shows that maternal singing during neonatal hospitalization can reduce anxiety and support wellbeing and early bonding after preterm birth, though mothers may need guidance and privacy to feel comfortable.

The authors of this review conducted a systematic search on published articles examining effects of music, music therapy (MT) and music based interventions (MBI), and found 34 quantitative and six qualitative studies. Beneficial effects of MT and MBI on emotional and motivational outcomes, participation, locus of control, and perceived helpfulness were reported. The analysis of the qualitative studies revealed four themes: emotional expression, group interaction, development of skills, and improvement of quality of life.

Read an article exploring the use of music therapy during infusion therapy for cancer patients. Results found significant improvements in levels of anxiety, depression, tiredness, pain and wellbeing. Additionally, no significant differences were found between passive and active music therapy intervention protocols, and individuals with higher pre-session anxiety scores tended to choose passive interventions.

This pilot study explored music therapy for children with delayed speech development. Results showed that it was effective in improving phonology, speech comprehension, communication, and cognitive functioning.

This study examined whether music therapy is was beneficial among adults with sickle cell disease and chronic pain. Interviews revealed that participants learned new self-management skills and that music therapy improved their ability to cope with pain.

Click here to watch a video about this study.

This study analyzed existing research on the safety and efficacy of neurologic music therapy for individuals with neurological disorders. Findings suggest benefits for quality of life, gait function, social behaviour, and communication, though results vary across studies. Evidence on safety remains limited, but the risk of severe or irreversible harm appears low.

Music therapist Max Terán explains what music therapy is, who can benefit, how it can help diverse populations, and how he became a music therapist.