Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
Format

If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact us so we can help.

If you have references to propose that we could add to our database, please use this Resource Sharing Form.

399 results
Global perspectives on addressing systemic issues in music therapy curricula and healthcare
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Amy Clements-Cortés, Melissa Mercadal-Brotons, Hakeem Leonard, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 24(1)
Country
Austria
Brazil
Canada
United States (USA)
Hong Kong
Norway
Spain

The discipline of music therapy is practiced differently across the globe and over the years, in all regions of the world, the number of music therapy training programs has expanded. This article focuses on the challenges and issues faced by the discipline of music therapy and health in general, based on the analysis of systemic issues in education and training, social issues, and significant issues such as multiculturalism, equity, and race around the world.

Grief Song-Writing Process with Bereaved Adolescents: An Integrated Grief Model and Music Therapy Protocol (The)
2006
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Thomas A. Dalton, Robert E. Krout
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
United States (USA)

This article describes the development and implementation of the Grief Song-Writing Process (GSWP) with bereaved adolescents. Details of this protocol are shared, along with five original songs composed for and during the song-writing process.

Group Music Therapy - Addressing Play and Social Skills
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

Watch a group music therapy session where children play instruments, sing, and interact in music experiences. Participants address skills such as emotional regulation, listening, following directions, leadership skills, social confidence, teamwork, waiting, turn-taking and joint play. 

Group Music Therapy - addressing social communication and emotional regulation goals
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

Watch how group music therapy helps three young teens address their social, communication, and emotional regulation goals.

Group Telehealth Music Therapy With Caregivers: A Qualitative Inquiry
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Annabelle Brault, Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Patient Experience
Country
Canada

This qualitative study explored the experiences of informal caregivers of older adults who took part in group telehealth music therapy. Semi-structured interviews with 5 women caregivers were conducted. Through a thematic analysis process, the following themes were identified: (a) affordances of group telehealth music therapy, (b) challenges of group telehealth music therapy, and (c) music as a health resource. Telehealth considerations, clinical implications, as well as ways to support caregiver agency are discussed.

Guidelines for music therapy practice in pediatric care
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Joke Bradt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)
International

This book offers a solid foundation for music therapy work with infants and children in pediatric medical settings, combining expert practice insights with a critical review of the existing literature.

 

Guidelines for Music Therapy Practice in Adult Medical Care
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Joy Allen
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)
International

This book presents knowledge on medical music therapy, covering work with adult patients across medical units and procedures, including various diseases and disorders.

Healing connects through music therapy
2014
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jodi Winnwalker
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks
Country
United States (USA)

Music Therapist Jodi Winnwalker shares the connective and healing power of music.

Healing Through Music Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
UCSF Health
Country
United States (USA)

Watch how music therapy can support children, adolescents and their families in a pediatric hospital setting, and learn how music therapists contribute to interdisciplinary care teams.

Healing Through the Power of Music: Music Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
2012
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Country
United States (USA)

This video showcases the Jared Kurtin Music Therapy Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, which is a clinical and evidence-based program for hospitalized infants, children and their families. This hospital is a leader in creative medical treatment options and has the first established pediatric music therapy program in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hear Our Voices: A Music Therapy Songwriting Program and the Message of the Little Saints through the Medium of Rap
2011
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Scott MacDonald, Michael Viega
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge
Country
United States (USA)

This chapter details a unique music therapy songwriting program, Hear Our Voices, and the songwriting process of the Little Saints, a group of “at-risk” fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The authors, who were also the music therapists working with this group, discuss the relevance of Hip-Hop culture, and its musical framework, to the music therapy process, and to the success of the program. 

Heartbeat Music Therapy Helps Parents Cope with Loss of Teen
2014
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Cincinnati Children's
Country
United States (USA)

Brian Schreck, a music therapist at Cincinnati Children's, helps patients and families dealing with a serious illness or end-of-life diagnosis cope and grieve through innovative music therapy.  In this video, the Bennett family describes how the therapy helped them through the loss of their 14-year-old son, Dylan. They listen to the song every single day.