Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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.

General search

Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
15 results Clear all
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. 

I Am Safe and I Am Strong: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience through Trauma-Informed Music Therapy
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Olivia Swedberg Yinger
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge
Country
United States (USA)

Read an overview of research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) from the book Trauma-Informed Music Therapy, descriptions of key components of resilience in child development and trauma-informed care, and recommendations for music therapists.

Intergenerational Jamboree: A step-by-step guide to intergenerational music therapy in senior living
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kate Dupuis, Kathy Lepp, Carrie Perkins, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Schlegel- UW Research Institute for Aging
Country
Canada

An intervention guide for music therapists and recreation/activity staff in retirement and long-term care homes, offering intergenerational music therapy experiences that support the health and well-being of both younger and older participants.

Click here to watch a video of this program.

Intergenerational Music Therapy Jamboree
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Schlegel- UW Research Institute for Aging
Country
Canada

The Jamboree is an intergenerational music therapy program where children and their accompanying adults join residents in retirement or long term care homes for weekly group sessions of singing, movement, instrument play, and guided social interaction led by a certified music therapist.

Click here to read the intervention guide of this program.

Los beneficios de la musicoterapia
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Telemadrid
Country
Spain

Learn about a child with a neurologic disorder who received music therapy services and watch interviews from the child's mother, the music therapist, and a music therapy student.

Murcia Conecta 7TV - Vientos Sonoros Musicoterapia
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Vientos Sonoros -Enseñanza Musical y Musicoterapia
Country
Spain

Watch how children 0-2 and their parents engage in interactive music experiences to address developmental milestones in a music therapy group called "Danzando en Pañales" (Dancing in Diapers). 

Music, Music Therapy and Child Development
2013
Type of reference
General information
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Éditions CHU Sainte-Justine, collection du CHU Sainte-Justine pour les parents
Country
Canada

This book, written by music therapist Guylaine Vaillancourt, is divided in two parts. This book is intended to make parents, educators and care-givers aware of how music and music therapy can benefit children. It also explains how the purposeful use of music by music therapy professionals can restore, maintain or enhance physical and psychological well-being of children. 
 

Music, Therapy and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach
2008
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Elizabeth K. Schwartz
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers
Country
United States (USA)

This book highlights how music and music therapy can benefit children, showing how music therapists use music to support their physical and psychological well-being.

Music therapy for young children with acquired communication impairments: An international survey of clinical practices
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
James Burns, Rebecca O’Connor, Hilary Moss
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Ireland

This study employed an online survey to investigate current approaches, clinical interventions, and outcome measures used by music therapists working with young children with acquired communication impairments (ACIs)  to address language- and communication-oriented goals. Among the diverse range of interventions employed by music therapists, song singing, vocal improvisation, and music and play emerged as the most effective techniques for supporting individuals with ACIs in achieving their goals. 

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 with Families: Therapeutic Approaches and Theoretical Perspectives
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Stine Lindahl Jacobsen, Grace Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Country
International

This book presents models of music therapy for families across diverse clinical settings, with international contributors sharing approaches and case studies that link theory to practice and address each model’s challenges and relevance.

Musicoterapia para niños
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Tukuy Peru

Music therapist Tatia Zarate describes in Spanish how music therapy supports child development and families. Segments of music therapy sessions are featured.