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.  The choice of references aims to offer a variety of types of contents, such as scientific publications and other more general ones, in text, video or audio formats, to help answer questions from a diversity of visitors seeking information about music therapy. 

If you have resources to propose for our database, click on the button below to submit the required information.  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.
  • The proposed references are submitted to an analysis process and selection by a team of music therapists from the Institute.

 

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8 results Clear all
Characteristics of physical resources that facilitate family-led music-making with preschool children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ajay Castelino
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability
Country
New Zealand

Read an article exploring the ways that a music therapist uses music therapy sessions to support families to engage with music-making with their multiply disabled preschool children outside of the music therapy space. Specific characteristics of the resources and tools provided are discussed.

Click here to read another study on the same research project by the same author.

El Poder Terapeutico de la Música
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Max Teran
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talk
Country
Costa Rica

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.

Investigating the impact of music for children with Batten disease
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Atkinson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Read an article discussing the use of music in the lives of children with Batten Disease. Three key themes are discussed: music and well-being, music's role in supporting functional skills, and the use of music in care settings. Findings also suggest that access to more structure intervention forms, such as music therapy, is important for this population.

Music therapy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Cedar Lake Foundation
Country
United States (USA)

Listen to music therapist Savannah Zimlich explain how she uses music therapy with individuals with multiple disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities. She equally discusses how interdisciplinary collaboration assists these individuals in reaching their full potential. 

MUSIC THERAPY - Impact Insight Series - Abigail
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
Country
Australia

Watch a video of a music therapist working with a young autistic girl. Goals discussed include communication, social skills and functional skills.

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 in Multiple Sclerosis: Results of a Systematic Qualitative Analysis
2004
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Wendy L. Magee, Jane W. Davidson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
England
United Kingdom (UK)

This research article investigates the effects of music therapy for adults with chronic and progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) based on current studies. The results prove that music therapy addresses emotional, physical, and interpersonal challenges that come from acquired disabilities.

The benefits of music therapy for older Australians
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Music Therapy Association
Country
Australia

This document describes how music therapy can benefit elderly and their caregivers. It explains what music therapy is, its affordability and accessibility in Australia, and how it can improve the quality of life among adults with dementia, anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases.