Resources & references

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.

Watch music therapist Sebastian Green and his client, Alex, co-write a song together, based on Alex's dreams.

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

Music therapy is used to help autistic children address develpmental goals. Watch registered music therapists lead an individual session with a child using instrument playing, improvisation, and singing to enhance communication and language development.

Watch as a music therapist sings and plays a hello song for a child during an individual music therapy session.

Agitation in nursing home residents with dementia leads to a decrease in quality of life and an increase in psychotropic medication, patient distress, and caregiver burnout. This study shows that after six weeks, music therapy reduced agitation disruptiveness and prevented medication increases for persons with moderate to severe dementia.

Learn about a child with a neurologic disorder who received music therapy services and watch interviews from the child's mother, the music therapist, and a music therapy student.

Watch music therapist Winnie Choy lead a drumming activity with her client to build finger strength and coordination, learning to take turns, listen and share, and practice communicating in her home language, Cantonese.

The brain often seems to hold on to its ability to understand musical communication long after other skills are lost to dementia. This video features a certified music therapist and an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease singing a familiar song, showing how music enhances self-expression, interpersonal interaction, and musical communication through vocal improvisation and singing familiar songs. 

Click here to learn more about the benefits of music therapy for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Watch a video of a music therapist working with a young autistic girl. Goals discussed include communication, social skills and functional skills.

Heather Overly, a board-certified music therapist leads a music therapy session with an older adult in hospice care. She explains how music therapy can improve quality of life among this population.

Discover the story of a teenage boy living with Angelman Syndrome, who received music therapy sessions to support goals such as communication, motor skills, and concentration. Watch as he plays instruments and participates in vocal activities, and hear reflections from his mother and music therapist on his treatment and development.