Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

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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
7 results Clear all
Concepts de pédiatrie sociale en communauté et musicothérapie : Une perspective herméneutique
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sandrine Zuyderhoff
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Université Concordia
Country
Canada

Masters thesis that analyzes concepts of social paediatrics applied to music therapy. Results describe the application of these concepts by music therapists working within this approach. 

Exploring Songwriting as an Expression of Grief on Cape Breton Island: A Qualitative Interview Study
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Meaghan Jackson
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Concordia University
Country
Canada

Songwriting, used in many cultures as a mourning practice, can inform bereavement music therapy sessions and research. This study explored the perspectives of three Cape Breton Island songwriters and found it supports grief expression, personal growth, and connection.

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes: Using music therapy approaches to support and enhance the development of gross motor skills in children who are blind or have low vision
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Karen Bishop
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
Country
New Zealand

Read a thesis paper exploring the use of music therapy to target gross motor skills in young children with congenital blindness/visual impairments. Two case studies are presented, and five common themes are explained.

Music Therapy and Cerebral Visual Impairments (CVI) in Childhood: A Literature Review
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Katie Hock
Language
English
Source / Publisher
DigitalCommons@Lesley
Country
United States (USA)

Read a literature review exploring childhood cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and the ways that music therapy can be used to approach CVI-related goals.

Musico-relational competencies: Examining the convergence of musical and relational competencies in improvisational group music therapy for people with borderline personality disorder
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jason Kenner
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Country
Australia

This thesis details a qualitative study on music therapy process resulting in the new concept of musico-relational competence. The project began with an exploration of music processes in the context of outpatient adult psychiatry. An ethnographic and ethnomusicological approach to the analysis of the video data (including music analysis) is used, focusing on the meaning making process of participants in the study.

The effect of improvisational group drumming versus general music therapy versus activity therapy on mood, session behaviors and transfer behaviors of in-patient psychiatric individuals
2012
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Daniel B. Tague
Language
English
Source / Publisher
College of Music, Florida State University
Country
United States (USA)

Read how a group drumming protocol was successfully utilized as part of the psychosocial training program for patients in an acute psychiatric hospital setting.

Therapeutic Songwriting with Bereaved Mothers Following Pregnancy Loss: A Philosophical Inquiry
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nathalie Maillard
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Spectrum Research Repository
Country
Canada

Read a thesis paper on the potential uses of songwriting in a music therapy context to assist women who have experienced unplanned pregnancy loss through the grief process.