Resources & references

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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.  

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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
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233 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 Community-Based Music Therapy Support Group for People With Alzheimer's Disease and Their Caregivers: A Sustainable Partnership Model
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Robin Rio
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Medicine
Country
United States (USA)

This article explains how a music therapy support group was created to relieve some of the strain on caregivers by allowing for greater emotional support through relationships with peers and professionals, and through the increase of meaningful interactions with their loved ones with dementia. The community-based MT support group has been replicated twice within the region, and is a promising model for other communities. 

A critical realist evaluation of a music therapy intervention in palliative care
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sam Porter, Tracey McConnell, Mike Clarke, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Palliative Care
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

This study examined the processes and experiences involved in the introduction of music therapy as an adjunct complementary therapy to palliative care in a hospice setting in the United Kingdom (UK). Results: Music therapy contains multiple mechanisms that can provide physical, psychological, emotional, expressive, existential and social support. 

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 great moment . . . because of the music: An exploratory study on music therapy and early interaction with children with visual impairment and their sighted caregivers
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Maren Metell
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Visual Impairment
Country
Norway

This article describes how musical interaction can contribute to bonding and early interaction for blind/visually impaired children (aged 1-4 years) and their sighted caregivers in the context of a 10 week music therapy program, through a positive, empowerment-based lens.

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 music therapy group intervention in an Italian prison: The subjective impact of a pilot program
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lorenzo Pelizza, Beatrice Urbani, Bruno Veneri, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Arts in Psychotherapy
Country
Italy

Read an article exploring group music therapy in an Italian prison. Results indicated that song creation should be included in this context to foster the prisoners' self-expression and reflection.

A Music Therapy Respite Program for Caregivers of Individuals With Memory Loss
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Becky Wellman
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives
Country
United States (USA)

Music therapy has been a known positive and impactful intervention for adults with memory loss, but previous research and program reports have focused mainly on residents in long-term care facilities. In this study, a caregiver survey was utilized to learn how Music Therapy Respite, a community-based drop-in program, benefited caregivers and their care partner and if this changed based on attendance in a professionally led support group.

A narrative review of music therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and rationale for protocolized music teletherapy
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sonya G. Wang , Andrea M. Cevasco-Trotter, Michael J. Silverman, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Front Med.
Country
United States (USA)

This research article offers rational for protocolized music teletherapy (MTT) for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. MTT made music therapy services more accessible and was effective in addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms.

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.

A qualitative exploration of music therapy practice development in intellectual disability services in Ireland: "The future is the community"
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Marie Glynn, Alexandra Wrigley & Tríona McCaffrey
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Ireland

This study explores the factors involved in successful development of music therapy programmes for individuals with intellectual disability services in Ireland. Music therapists who have developped programs, as well as (non-music therapist) managers of music therapy programs share their perspectives.

A qualitative exploration of music therapy and physical therapy co-treatment: Joining forces to treat individuals with late-stage Huntington's disease
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Elizabeth Ulanowski, Megan Danzl, Jenny Branson et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article exploring the effectiveness of co-treatment between music therapists and physical therapists on motor skills in individuals with late stage Huntington's disease. Results highlight the benefits of this collaboration, while also discussing the key components of a successful collaboration between these two professionals.

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