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.

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Type of reference
Clients
Format
5 results Clear all
It’s Like we Have Our Own Rhythm: Music Therapeutic Affect Regulation in a Case Study of a Traumatized Patient in Mental Health Treatment
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Oda Dypvik Bjørke, Bolette Daniels Beck
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices
Country
Denmark
Norway

This research article presents a case study of an adult man with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who participated in music therapy sessions. The results determined that music improvisation improved affect regulation, exploration of trauma-related issues, and self-agency.

Music therapy embedded in the life of dementia inpatient care to help prevent and manage distress: a feasibility study to inform a future trial
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Naomi Thompson, Helen Odell-Miller, Chris Pointon, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Mental health dementia wards in the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom provide specialist care for people with dementia experiencing acute levels of distress. This study tested the feasibility of delivering a standardised music therapy protocol on these wards and the suitability of the research methods.

Overview of a Music Therapy Program at a Maximum Security Unit of a State Psychiatric Facility
2002
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Melinda Fulford
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
United States (USA)

This article describes a music therapy program in a maximum security psychiatric state facility. Brief descriptions of the patient population, admission and discharge criteria, safety and security concerns, music therapy interventions, and behavioral strategies are given in order to provide a picture of the program and the concerns associated with this population.

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.

The Effect of Songwriting on Knowledge of Coping Skills and Working Alliance in Psychiatric Patients: A Randomized Clinical Effectiveness Study.
2011
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Michael J. Silverman
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

Findings of this study suggest that a group songwriting music therapy intervention can be as effective as traditional psychoeducation to teach psychiatric patients how to proactively manage their illness.