Resources & references

This research article explores the effects of Nordoff Robbins- based music therapy sessions in treating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study demonstrated that music therapy decreased depression and anxiety and improved self-acceptance and life-quality among individuals with MS.

Watch as a board-certified music therapist leads an individual session with an autistic man. Through instrument playing, singing, and songwriting, the client develops communication, strengthens social skills, and gains confidence.

This report tells how music therapists help the various needs of students in a school for the blind. Different music therapy interventions are described, and music therapists explain how they address goals based on their students' Individual education plan. 

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.

This article describes a qualitative single-case study of the treatment of a woman having problems with grief and finding a personal identity. The music therapist used several techniques of improvisation to support the client's cautious steps into a new musical and a new personal world.

This article describes a music therapy program in a maximum security psychiatric state facility. Brief descriptions of the patient population, admission and discharge criteria, safety and security concerns, music therapy interventions, and behavioral strategies are given in order to provide a picture of the program and the concerns associated with this population.

Read about a therapy program by an art and music therapist for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-questioning youth, supporting gender identity exploration and learn about the challenges and opportunities encountered during its pilot implementation.

This paper describes a qualitative study that explores possible therapeutic benefits from the implementation of a music therapy drumming circle with at-risk youth in an alternative high school. The results could contribute to the development of this model for music therapists by 1) contributing to our understanding of how this process can work; 2) informing our understanding of therapeutic benefits and potential; 3) informing practice within school settings by music therapists.

This study investigated the impact of a drumming experience on student's agressivity in adolescent males as part of a program addressing school violence. Results found a positive impact of drumming on reducing anger as well as an increase in areas such as self-esteem, cooperation, empathy, active listening and emotional expression.