Resources & references

This article explains how a music therapy support group was created to relieve some of the strain on caregivers by allowing for greater emotional support through relationships with peers and professionals, and through the increase of meaningful interactions with their loved ones with dementia. The community-based MT support group has been replicated twice within the region, and is a promising model for other communities. 

This article describes how musical interaction can contribute to bonding and early interaction for blind/visually impaired children (aged 1-4 years) and their sighted caregivers in the context of a 10 week music therapy program, through a positive, empowerment-based lens.

This article explores and develops a critical notion of participation within the context of music therapy and blind/visually impaired children through a community music therapy and disability studies lens. Theoretical ideas that are relevant for practice, research, and further theoretical discussion are also included.

Read an article exploring the use of the Differentiated Didactic Approach to Teaching the Arts (D.D.A.T.A) framework to bridge the gap between clinical music therapy and social inclusion, particularly in using community music therapy approaches to facilitate inclusion of disabled individuals in cultural arts experiences.

This study presents a community music therapy program for adults with developmental disabilities combining instrumental/vocal group performance with American Sign Language (ASL) music interpretation groups. Results indicated the program was successful in fostering community engagement, social networking, and building friendships.

Read an article about the STROKESTRA program, developped in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The program supports stroke survivors and caregivers in their recovery through collaboration with professional musicians, clinicians, music therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and physical therapists. One participant noted that, beyond playing instruments or recovering physically from a stroke, the program fosters a sense of community.

The DRUMBEAT program uses drumming to engage at-risk youth in musical expression and discussions on healthy relationships. Findings support its theory that integrating music therapy with cognitive–behavioural principles promotes emotional control, better relationships, and higher self-esteem.

Listen to an interview featuring Dr Alison Talmage, a music therapist who recently published a handbook for helping and establishing therapeutic choirs to be more accessible to individuals with neurologic conditions. She discusses the benefits of therapeutic singing, including the neuroscience underlying the approach, as well as providing anecdotes on some of the participants in her choir.

Read about the "Rise Up" program, an interdisciplinary program supporting children 9-17 years old from immigrant families in sharing their experiences and talents artistically with their community. Described by the director of one of the involved university departments as "community music therapy in action," the article also includes the reflections of music therapy students on their mentorship role in the program.

Read an article exploring a community music therapy project with the overall goal of a collective rethinking of masculinity to help prevent gender-based violence. Findings found the project to be successful at empowering men to take action.

Read an article that explores a group music therapy radio project for students with intellectual disabilities and their mothers. Results showed that the majority of students showed significant engagement with the recordings of their mother's voice, including significant emotional reactions, even though the mothers were not physically present.