Resources & references

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The purpose of our database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele.  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. 

Note (*) : the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
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59 results
A Community-Based Music Therapy Support Group for People With Alzheimer's Disease and Their Caregivers: A Sustainable Partnership Model
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Robin Rio
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Medicine

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. 

A critical realist evaluation of a music therapy intervention in palliative care
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sam Porter, Tracey McConnell, Mike Clarke, Jenny Kirkwood, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Palliative Care

This study examined the processes and experiences involved in the introduction of music therapy as an adjunct complementary therapy to palliative care in a hospice setting in the United Kingdom (UK). Results: Music therapy contains multiple mechanisms that can provide physical, psychological, emotional, expressive, existential and social support. 

A Music Therapist seeks to tap into long-lost memories
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Claudia Lopez Lloreda
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Science News

Music therapy is often used to improve well-being. A new study hints that for people with dementia, listening to music can induce lingering emotions even if they don't remember listening.

A Music Therapy Respite Program for Caregivers of Individuals With Memory Loss
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Becky Wellman, PHD, LPMT, MT-BC
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives

Music therapy has been a known positive and impactful intervention for adults with memory loss, but previous research and program reports have focused mainly on residents in long-term care facilities. In this study, a caregiver survey was utilized to learn how Music Therapy Respite, a community-based drop-in program, benefited caregivers and their care partner and if this changed based on attendance in a professionally led support group.

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, Shauna H Yuan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Front Med.

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 Theoretical Model of Resource-Oriented Music Therapy with Informal Hospice Caregivers during Pre-Bereavement
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Noah Potvin, Claire Ghetti
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This study was an exploratory inquiry into the role of music therapy with pre-bereaved informal hospice caregivers. Engagement with resource-oriented music therapy mediates the risk of increased care burden and results in resilience fostering purposefulness and value in caregiving. Resource-oriented music therapy provides a unique clinical avenue for supporting caregivers through pre-bereavement, and was acknowledged by caregivers as a unique and integral hospice service. 

Alzheimer patients turn to music therapy to help focus mind
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
USA Today

This news story features the clinical work of Matthew Frederick, a music therapist in the United States. Matthew offers an individual music therapy session to an older adult with Alzheimer's disease and the client's spouse.

Clinical effectiveness of mindfulness-based music therapy on improving emotional regulation in blind older women: A randomized controlled trial
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sunny H.W. Chan and al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Integrative Medicine Research

This study aimed to investigate clinical effectiveness of a structured eight-week mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT) program on improving mood regulation in older women with blindness. 

Conférence CREGÉS: Fostering Inclusion & Empowerment of Aging Adults with IDD in an Art Hive Context
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
CREGÉS - CAU en gérontologie sociale

This study explored perspectives and social needs of aging adults with IDD as expressed by them through actions, words, music, and art that they shared in a university community Art Hive. Using collaborative and participatory methods, this research contextualizes the Art Hive as a place of social, creative, and relational engagement and inclusion.

Developing a best-practice agenda for music therapy research to support informal carers of terminally ill patients pre- and post-death bereavement: a world café approach
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Palliative Care

This study aimed to co-design an international best practice agenda for research into music therapy for informal carers of patients pre- and post-death bereavement. Results show that the effectiveness of music therapy in supporting informal carers across the bereavement continuum should be prioritised. This should be done using a mixed methods design to draw on the strengths of different methodological approaches to building the evidence base. It should involve service users throughout.

Discover the Power of Music Therapy
2012
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Shaw TV Calgary

In this video produced by Shaw TV, Jennifer Buchanan of JB Music Therapy in Calgary demonstrates the effectiveness and impact of music therapy on a 97 year old war veteran who has cognitive impairments due to dementia.

DRUM-PD: The Use of a Drum Circle to Improve the Symptoms and Signs of Parkinson's Disease (PD)
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Alexander Pantelyat, Candace Syres, Suzanne Reichwein, Allison Willis,
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Mouvement Disorders Clinical Practice

This pilot controlled prospective and cohort trial assessed feasibility and effects of twice-weekly group West African drum circle classes for 6 weeks on Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients’ quality of life, symptoms, motor findings, cognition, and mood. Drum circle classes significantly and reversibly improved quality of life in patients with PD.