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.  

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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Languages
Type of reference
Clients
Format
18 results Clear all
Cumulative sociodemographic risk moderates the short-term effects of active music engagement
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Steven J Holochwost, Elizabeth Harman, Kristin Stegenga, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article about the impact of sociodemographic risk on the reported benefits of a specific music therapy intervention, active music engagement (AME), for families with children undergoing treatment for cancer. Results suggested that families with higher risk experienced more benefits from AME than families with lower risk.

Effect of Music Therapy on Chemotherapy Anticipatory Symptoms in Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Filippo Giordano, Chiara Rutigliano, Caterina Ugolini, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
Country
Italy

This study is about music therapy with adolescents undergoing chemotherapy.  A significant reduction in anxiety, nausea and vomiting was observed. Furthermore, perceived stress and psychological/physical wellbeing were improved in participants. 

Effect of music therapy on emotional resilience, well-being, and employability: a quantitative investigation of mediation and moderation
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Yingjie Feng, Mingda Wang
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Psychology
Country
Malaysia

This article examines the impact of music therapy on adults participating in employment training programs or actively seeking work, after receiving online music therapy sessions designed to enhance emotional regulation and stress management. Music therapy significantly improved emotional resilience, overall well-being, and employability among participants.

Effects of music therapy in cancer patients undergoing infusion chemotherapy: A prospective cohort observational study
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Maria A. Hernandez, Luigi X. Cubeddu, & Juan C. Paramo
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer
Country
United States (USA)

Read an article exploring the use of music therapy during infusion therapy for cancer patients. Results found significant improvements in levels of anxiety, depression, tiredness, pain and wellbeing. Additionally, no significant differences were found between passive and active music therapy intervention protocols, and individuals with higher pre-session anxiety scores tended to choose passive interventions.

High-frequency vs. low-frequency MIDI-assisted group music therapy in psychiatric inpatients: A randomized controlled trial
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Manuel Esteban-Cárdenas,Ana Gómez-Puentes,Carlos Torres-Delgado et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
PLOS One
Country
Colombia

Read a study investigating the impact of different music therapy session frequencies on stress, anxiety, depression and life satisfaction in psychiatric inpatients. Results found positive effects in both the lower frequency and the higher frequency groups, with a greater benefit on stress reduction for the higher frequency group.

How music therapy can help anxious children
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Elizabeth Coombes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

This article describes the ways music therapy has been applied to help children cope with anxiety related disorders

Music Therapy and Geriatric Populations: A Handbook for Practicing Music Therapists and Healthcare Professionals
2011
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Melita Belgrave, Alice-Ann Darrow, Darcy Walworth, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Music Therapy Association
Country
United States (USA)

The primary purpose of this handbook is to educate music therapists and healthcare professionals about the uses and evidence-based benefits of music therapy practices with older adults including those in hospice care, health and wellness programs, intergenerational programs, and those living with Alzheimer’s disease, 

Music Therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital
2026
Type of reference
General information
Language
Cantonese
French
Mandarin
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation
Country
Canada

Watch a video demonstrating some of the uses of music therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital. Music therapist Josephine Lee sings in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Interviews are also featured in French, English and Mandarin about both the music therapy services and the Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation in general.

Music therapy for stress reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Martina de Witte, Ana da Silva Pinho, Geert-Jan Stams, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Health Psychology Review
Country
Netherlands

This study examined the effects of music therapy on physiological and psychological stress outcomes and tested potential moderators. The results indicated a medium-to-large overall effect of music therapy on stress-related outcomes.

Music Therapy in End-of-Life Care Contexts
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Amy Clements-Cortés, Sara Klinck
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Scolarly Community Encyclopedia
Country
Canada

This brief entry is a summary of a peer-reviewed article. It explains succinctly what is music therapy in palliative care. 

Click here to read the related research study.

Music Therapy in the Psychosocial Treatment of Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Friederike Köhler, Zoe-Sofia Martin, Ruth-Susanne Hertrampf, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology
Country
Denmark
Germany

This research article reviewed existing studies to evaluate the efficacy of music therapy in supporting adults going through cancer treatment. The results showed that music therapy was effective in improving psychosocial wellbeing, pain management, and enhancing quality of life.

Music therapy support groups for cancer patients and caregivers: A mixed-methods approach
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Abbey Lynn Dvorak
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Canada

This study explores how music therapy support groups improve physical, psychological, and social well-being in cancer patients and caregivers, showing benefits in pain, mood, stress, anxiety, and overall quality of life.