Resources & references

Read a case study about the use of improvisational music therapy for an adolescent with intensive support needs. Themes discussed include choices around structure, multi-sensory approaches, and the musical material.

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.

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.

Read an article written by music therapist/special educator, Jiří Kantor, on the unique aspects that music, as a method of connection and communication, can bring to the life and overall wellbeing of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Discussion of the important role that music therapists can play in interdisciplinary teams for these individuals is also discussed. 

Read an article discussing the use of an online group music therapy intervention for adults undergoing cancer treatment. Results show that, in spite of the limitations of online interventions, participants found the intervention to be useful in supporting them through their treatments.

Watch how 3 music therapists — John Mews, Cristin Bostrom, and Nam Kyo Kim — work with children with developmental disabilities and their families.

Read an article exploring the feasibilty of incorporating mindful self-compassion into music therapy sessions for patients living with chronic pain. Results highlighted the need for future research to better interpret the results, but found a general increase in levels of pain acceptance following the treatment sessions.

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. 

Watch a video featuring music therapist Susan Bakouros showing how music therapy is offered in a hopsital NICU setting. Examples of using music therapy for feeding support, neurodevelopment and parental connection are discussed. 

Read an article exploring the use and possibilities of music therapy for severely multiply-disabled individuals. A focus-group of music therapists who work with this population was convened, and the findings are compiled into three macro-areas: opportunities, music therapy approaches, and research challenges. 

Read an article on the use of a group music therapy treatment protocol in patients with chronic tinnitus. Results found a reduction in the subjective burden of the condition in around 60% of participants,  and this effect persisted at 6 months post-treatment.

Read a research study on the impact of music therapy during burn care in a pediatric setting for the medical professionals providing the care. Results indicated that survey respondents felt more relaxed, less stressed, better patient compliance  and a better overall experience when music therapy was present than when it was not.