Resources & references

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The purpose of our database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele.  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. 

Note (*) : the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.

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34 results Clear all
A Collaborative Approach to Music Therapy Practice in Sensorimotor Rehabilitation
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ruth R. Rice, Sarah B. Johnson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
United States (USA)

Read how 3 adults with neurologic conditions received interdisciplinary care integrating neurologic music therapy and physical therapy to enhance neurorehabilitation.

A feasibility study for an improvised singing and language-based protocol for people with aphasia: music Enriched verb network strengthening treatment
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jingwen Zhang, Gayle DeDe, Wendy Magee et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Aphasiology
Country
United States (USA)

Read a feasibility study on the development of Music Enriched Verb Network Strengthening Training (MeVNeST), a new, interdisciplinary improvisation based singing protocol for people with aphasia. Results suggest that this protocol may be particularly effective in patients with combined apraxia of speech and aphasia, and participants indicated preferring the inclusion of music over the original speech and language pathology intervention of Verb Network Strengthening Training (VNeST). Limitations and recommendations for future research are also discussed.  

A home-based walking program using rhythmic auditory stimulation improves gait performance in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
2010
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Dwyer Conklyn, Darlene Stough, Eric Novak, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
Country
United States (USA)

This research article explores the effects of a neurologic music therapy technique called rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) with adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). The results demonstrated that a home-based program using RAS can improve walking velocity, cadence, stride length, and step length.

A penguin on the moon: Self-organizational processes in improvisational music therapy in neurological rehabilitation
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Wolfgang Schmid
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Norway

This research article explores how improvisational music therapy can promote neurological rehabilitation among individuals with neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). It discusses how music improvisation can improve self-organizational processes, attunement with self and others, and communication.

Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy webite
Country
Canada
International

Learn about Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), a system of standardized and evidence-based techniques in applied auditory music neuroscience. Neurologic music therapists use music perception and production to help individuals address sensorimotor, speech and language, and cognitive skills among diverse populations.

A list of key NMT publications (research) is available here.

Bridging the Clinic to Community: Music Performance as Social Transformation for Military Service Members
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rebecca Vaudreuil, Hannah Bronson, Joke Bradt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Country
United States (USA)

This article examines two cases of military service members treated with music therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and other psychological issues, highlighting how music performance can support personal growth, rehabilitation, and community change.

Characteristics of physical resources that facilitate family-led music-making with preschool children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ajay Castelino
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability
Country
New Zealand

Read an article exploring the ways that a music therapist uses music therapy sessions to support families to engage with music-making with their multiply disabled preschool children outside of the music therapy space. Specific characteristics of the resources and tools provided are discussed.

Click here to read another study on the same research project by the same author.

Dr Jeanette Tamplin discusses Neurorehabilitation and Music Therapy
2016
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Music Therapy Association
Country
Australia

Dr. Jeanette Tamplin, professor, researcher, and Registered Music Therapist, explains how music therapy helps with neurorehabilitation among people with neurologic conditions and injuries.

Click here to watch the video referenced in this interview.

Click here to reference the study by Dr. Jeanette Tamplin referenced in this interview.

Effectiveness of music therapy as an aid to neurorestoration of children with severe neurological disorders
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Maria L. Bringas, Marilyn Zaldivar, Pedro A. Rojas, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Neuroscience
Country
China
Cuba
France

Read an article looking at the effectiveness of a music therapy protocol as an adjunct treatment to standard neurorehabilitation programs for children with severe neurological disorders affecting multiple domains.

Exploring communicative responses to collaborative music therapy and speech and language therapy in young children with acquired communication impairments: A case series
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
James Burns, Rebecca O'Connor, Becky Woods, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Ireland

Read an article exploring the use of collaborative music therapy and speech-language therapy sessions on language/communication rehabilitation for pediatric populations with acquired brain injuries. Findings showed that these collaborative sessions fostered engagement, strengthened foundational communication skills, and promoted greater communication intent. 

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.

Music brings Parkinson's patients together and helps them regain skills
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Michele Skalicky
Language
English
Source / Publisher
KSMU Radio
Country
United States (USA)

A music therapy group for individual's with Parkinson's disease is hosted on a weekly basis at Drury University. A music therapist and participants share how the sessions improve neurorehabilitation and symptom management through drumming, instrument playing, and singing.  The text includes an audio excerpt embedded in the article.