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
8 results Clear all
Effects of music therapy and music-based interventions in the treatment of substance use disorders: A systematic review.
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Louisa Hohmann, Joke Bradt, Thomas Stegemann, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
PLoS One
Country
Austria
United States (USA)
Norway

The authors of this review conducted a systematic search on published articles examining effects of music, music therapy (MT) and music based interventions (MBI), and found 34 quantitative and six qualitative studies. Beneficial effects of MT and MBI on emotional and motivational outcomes, participation, locus of control, and perceived helpfulness were reported. The analysis of the qualitative studies revealed four themes: emotional expression, group interaction, development of skills, and improvement of quality of life.

El Poder Terapeutico de la Música
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Max Teran
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talk
Country
Costa Rica

Music therapist Max Terán explains what music therapy is, who can benefit, how it can help diverse populations, and how he became a music therapist.

Healing Through the Power of Music: Music Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
2012
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Country
United States (USA)

This video showcases the Jared Kurtin Music Therapy Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, which is a clinical and evidence-based program for hospitalized infants, children and their families. This hospital is a leader in creative medical treatment options and has the first established pediatric music therapy program in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Integrative Review of Music and Music Therapy Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Children with Acquired Brain Injury
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
James Burns, Hannah Healy, Rebecca O’Connor, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Ireland

This article provides a review of current studies on music therapy interventions and children with acquired brain injury (ABI). The results explore the benefits of music therapy interventions, the use of music therapy as a motivator, and professional collaboration.

Interprofessional Occupational Therapy and Music Therapy Piano Keyboard Intervention for Preschoolers with Visual Impairments: A Non-Randomized Pilot Case Study
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kelle K. DeBoth, Carol A. Olszewski, Nicole Roberge, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention
Country
United States (USA)

Read about an interprofessional (occupational therapy and music therapy) keyboarding intervention program for visually impaired preschoolers. Results demonstrated an improvement in fine motor skills following 6 weeks of 20-minute biweekly sessions.

Interview with a parent about the benefits of music therapy with children with special needs
2013
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Ryan Judd
Country
United States (USA)

A music therapist speaks with the mother of a young client who receives music therapy services. Learn how music therapy has helped her son, who is diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, find the motivation to achieve his therapeutic goals, including improved social and physical skills.

Music therapy for people with substance use disorders
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Claire Ghetti, Xi‐Jing Chen, Annette K Brenner, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Country
China
Netherlands
Norway
United Kingdom (UK)

This study reviews existing research to compare the effects of music therapy in addition to standard care versus standard care alone, or to standard care plus an active control intervention, on psychological symptoms, substance craving, motivation for treatment, and motivation to stay clean/sober.

Music Therapy Program at SickKids
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Country
Canada

This video shows work by music therapist Carolyn Williams with children at Sick Kids Medical Hospital. Parents talk about the impact that music therapy has had on the development and the recovery of their child, while the music therapist comments on the actions and reactions of the children in the video.