Resources & references

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The purpose of our resources database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele, and to help answer questions from a diversity of visitors seeking information about music therapy. 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.  

If you wish to contribute to our database, click on the button below. The proposed references are submitted to an analysis and a selection process by a team of music therapists from the Institute. 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.

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Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
21 results Clear all
A narrative review of music therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and rationale for protocolized music teletherapy
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sonya G. Wang , Andrea M. Cevasco-Trotter, Michael J. Silverman, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Front Med.
Country
United States (USA)

This research article offers rational for protocolized music teletherapy (MTT) for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. MTT made music therapy services more accessible and was effective in addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms.

A systematic Review of Music-Based Interventions for Procedural Support
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Olivia Swedberg Yinger, Lori F. Gooding
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This review investigated the effects of music-based interventions (music therapy and music medicine) on pain and anxiety in children and adults undergoing medical procedures. Conclusions: There is a need to clearly define and differentiate between music therapy and music medicine interventions in procedural support research. Further research is necessary to determine which patients would benefit most from music interventions during medical procedures, and which interventions are most beneficial. 

Active Music Therapy in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Matched Control Study
2004
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Wolfgang Schmid, David Aldridge
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Europe
Germany

This research article explores the effects of Nordoff Robbins- based music therapy sessions in treating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study demonstrated that music therapy decreased depression and anxiety and improved self-acceptance and life-quality among individuals with MS.

Effect of Music Therapy on Chemotherapy Anticipatory Symptoms in Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Filippo Giordano, Chiara Rutigliano, Caterina Ugolini, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
Country
Italy

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. 

Exploring the Effects of Music Therapy on Pediatric Pain: Phase 1
2007
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Annette M. Whitehead-Pleaux, Natasha Zebrowski, Mary Jo Baryza, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of music therapy on pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients during nursing procedures. The results from the qualitative and quantitative data indicated that music therapy reduced pain, anxiety, and behavioral distress, while increasing mood and enhancing relaxation. 

Exploring the efficacy of music in palliative care: A scoping review
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Mathew Nyashanu, Deborah Ikhile, Farai Pfende
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Palliative & Supportive Care
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

This article explores the efficacy of music therapy interventions in palliative care and their therapeutic impact on physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

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.

How music therapy can help anxious children
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Elizabeth Coombes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

This article describes the ways music therapy has been applied to help children cope with anxiety related disorders

Music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in people with cancer
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Joke Bradt, Cheryl Dileo, Katherine Myers-Coffman, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Country
United States (USA)

This systematic review indicates that music interventions compared to standard care may have beneficial effects on anxiety, depression, hope, pain, and fatigue in adults with cancer. The results of two trials suggest that music interventions may have a beneficial effect on anxiety in children with cancer. For several outcomes, music therapy interventions delivered by a trained music therapist led to consistent results across studies. The abstract is available in many languages. 

Music Therapy at Penn State Health Children's Hospital
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Penn State Health
Country
United States (USA)

Board Certified music therapy program at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Funded by Children's Miracle Network - Herskey. By manipulating the elements of a song, music therapists help control a patient's pain and anxiety, ease adjustment to the hospital setting and promote rehabilitation.

Music Therapy at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
The Montreal Children's Foundation
Country
Canada

Presentation by Tanya Lavoie, certified music therapist, working at the Montreal Children's Hospital.

Music therapy for stress reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Martina de Witte, Ana da Silva Pinho, Geert-Jan Stams, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Health Psychology Review
Country
Netherlands

This study examined the effects of music therapy on physiological and psychological stress outcomes and tested potential moderators. The results indicated a medium-to-large overall effect of music therapy on stress-related outcomes.