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!

Propose new references

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
9 results Clear all
AFAY- Asociación de Famililiares y Enfermos de Alzheimer de Yecla (Murcia)
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Vientos Sonoros -Enseñanza Musical y Musicoterapia
Country
Spain

Watch music therapist Ángel Girón lead a group music therapy session for older adults with Alzheimer's.

Can music therapy improve cognition in dementia as measured with magnetoencephalography: A hypothesis study
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Benjamin Slade, Benedic Williams, Romy Engelbrecht, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Biomedicines
Country
Australia

Read an article exploring the neural changes observed in dementia patients following a music therapy program targeting cognitive function. Results suggest that music therapy may increase the connectivity of compensatory neural networks used to improve and maintain cognitive performance.

Investigating the impact of music for children with Batten disease
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Atkinson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Read an article discussing the use of music in the lives of children with Batten Disease. Three key themes are discussed: music and well-being, music's role in supporting functional skills, and the use of music in care settings. Findings also suggest that access to more structure intervention forms, such as music therapy, is important for this population.

Music Therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital
2026
Type of reference
General information
Language
Cantonese
French
Mandarin
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation
Country
Canada

Watch a video demonstrating some of the uses of music therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital. Music therapist Josephine Lee sings in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Interviews are also featured in French, English and Mandarin about both the music therapy services and the Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation in general.

Music Therapy in Dementia Care
2000
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
David Aldridge
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Country
United States (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)

This reference book offers a  comprehensive look at the use of music therapy with elderly and those living with dementia based on the research and experience of experts from around the world. It can serve as a resource for caregivers and families of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease and for music therapists.

Click here to see an example of how music therapy has been used in dementia care.

Programa de innovación psicomotriz y emocional a través de la musicoterapia dirigido a personas adultas con deficiencia visual y ceguera
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Isabel Álvarez López
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Revista de Investigación en Musicoterapia
Country
Spain

Read about a group music therapy program in Spain for adults with visual disabilities and blindness, targeting psychomotor and socio-emotional domains.

RMTs Change Lives Series - Episode 3 - Thomo's Story
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Music Therapy Association
Country
Australia

Testimonial of a gentleman who participated in music therapy after experiencing a dirt bike accident. He explains how music therapy helped his neurorehabilitation, such as walking, and memory skills.

Click here to watch an interview explaining this video further.

The Effectiveness of Music as a Mnemonic Device on Recognition Memory for People with Multiple Sclerosis
2008
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kimberly Sena Moore, David A. Peterson, Geoffrey O'Shea, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This study examines how music can serve as a mnemonic to improve memory recognition in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Therapist uses music to help dementia patients access and revive memories
2025
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
AARP
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapist Concetta Tomaino explains how she uses music therapy to help older adults living with dementia to enhance cognitive stimulation, emotional support, physical abilities, and overall wellness.

Click here to read the related article.