Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
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22 results
A Conversation About… Mental Health and Music Therapy: Therapeutic Outcomes (PDF transcript)
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Mental Health Professionals' Network
Country
Australia

In this transcription of a podcast episode, Clinical Psychologist Professor Mark Creamer, and Registered Music Therapists: Dr Jason Kenner and Dr Jennifer Bibb explore what music therapy aims to achieve, treatment goals and why change occurs. Expand your knowledge by hearing about the difference between individual and group sessions, the ways in which music therapy can meet short and long-term goals, and how music therapists use their unique skills and methods to provide collaborative care.

A Conversation About… Mental Health and Music Therapy: Therapeutic Outcomes
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Mental Health Professionals' Network
Country
Australia

In this podcast episode, Clinical Psychologist Professor Mark Creamer, and Registered Music Therapists: Dr Jason Kenner and Dr Jennifer Bibb explore what music therapy aims to achieve, treatment goals and why change occurs. Expand your knowledge by hearing about the difference between individual and group sessions, the ways in which music therapy can meet short and long-term goals, and how music therapists use their unique skills and methods to provide collaborative care.

A Theory of Time in Music Therapy: A Model for Analyzing Nordoff–Robbins Clinical Improvisation
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Tamar Hadar, Kenneth Aigen
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
United States (USA)

This study explored the use of music temporality in clinical improvisation in Nordoff Robbins music therapy sessions with children. Results offered time models that showed how temporal positions within music improvisation and singing helps to improve self-regulation, expression, and introspection.

Clinical effectiveness of mindfulness-based music therapy on improving emotional regulation in blind older women: A randomized controlled trial
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sunny H.W. Chan, Meryl Y.C. Cheung, Armstrong T.C. Chiu, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Integrative Medicine Research
Country
Hong Kong

This study aimed to investigate clinical effectiveness of a structured eight-week mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT) program on improving mood regulation in older women with blindness. 

Discovering my voice: a peek through Sam's music therapy journey
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

Watch how certified music therapist Catherine Vesic helps Sam learn to use his voice to express himself and connect with the adults around him.

Group Music Therapy - addressing social communication and emotional regulation goals
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

Watch how group music therapy helps three young teens address their social, communication, and emotional regulation goals.

Group Music Therapy - Addressing Play and Social Skills
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

Watch a group music therapy session where children play instruments, sing, and interact in music experiences. Participants address skills such as emotional regulation, listening, following directions, leadership skills, social confidence, teamwork, waiting, turn-taking and joint play. 

How music therapy processes can unfold in a session
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sound Expression
Country
Australia

Watch the interaction between registered music therapist, Grace Elliot, and her client in their music therapy session, working on goals of communication, motor skills and regulation.

It Is Not Just Music and Rhythm . . . Evaluation of a Drumming-Based Intervention to Improve the Social Wellbeing of Alienated Youth
2012
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Simon Faulkner, Lisa Wood, Penny Ivery, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children Australia
Country
Australia

The Discovering Relationship Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes & Thoughts (DRUMBEAT) program used drumming as a way of engaging at risk youth in a form of musical expression, while simultaneously incorporating themes and discussions relating to healthy relationships with others. The results support the underlying program theory, that combining the therapeutic potential of musical expression with basic cognitive–behavioural therapy can be used successfully to deliver a range of social learning outcomes, including emotional control, improved relationships and increased self-esteem.

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.

La musicoterapia rompe las barreras del silencio
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Sheila Pereiro
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talk
Country
Spain

Music therapist Sheila Pereiro shares about her experiences working with diverse populations and how music therapy can improve self-expression, connection with others, and quality of life.

Music and Pain
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Carla Tanguay
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Modulations Therapies
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapy offers a holistic way to help people of all ages manage pain. Learn how it can support goals such as improving mood, regulating emotions, and easing discomfort.