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.

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Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
5 results Clear all
Music Therapy in Bereavement Care
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Laurel Young
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
CREGÉS - CAU en gérontologie sociale
Country
Canada

Certified music therapist and researcher Laurel Young discusses her clinical work and research on music therapy in bereavement care and offers recommendations for future practice and research.

Music Therapy, Spiritual Health Needs, and Substance Use Disorders: A United States Survey Study
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jonah Pomerantz
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article on how music therapists in the United States address spiritual needs in individuals with substance use disorders. Results found that a variety of methods are employed, humanistic approaches are the most common, and that both song discussion and lyric analysis were useful in targeting spiritual goals.

Music therapy support groups for cancer patients and caregivers: A mixed-methods approach
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Abbey Lynn Dvorak
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Canada

This study explores how music therapy support groups improve physical, psychological, and social well-being in cancer patients and caregivers, showing benefits in pain, mood, stress, anxiety, and overall quality of life.

Preparing for future pandemics: enhancing serotonin activation and interpersonal warmth through music therapy to aid in adolescent depression recovery post COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jong-In Park, Seung-Jea Lee, Eon-Ah Choo, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Country
South Korea

Read a study discussing the impact of a group music therapy intervention to support adolescents in depression recovery post COVID-19. Results demonstrated statistically significant changes in several physiological measures associated with improvements in depressive changes in the music therapy group, but not in the control group. This finding supports the use of music therapy in this group to improve depression.

Sample Music Therapy Group Session
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
mmlearn.org
Country
United States (USA)

Join certified music therapist Amy Standridge as she conducts a music therapy group session with older adults living with dementia, and their care partners.

Learn more about the benefits of music therapy for individuals with dementia/Alzheimer's disease.