Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

Our website is an ever-growing hub of reference material for anyone interested in learning more about music therapy: videos, presentations, interviews, articles, research papers, information about the profession of music therapist and other documents to better understand music therapy and its benefits.

By default, all resources are listed (as shown on drop-down menu to the left of the screen, on yellow background).  You can select a category from that menu or keep looking at all resources.  Then type words into the search bar to choose keywords that will to help refine your search. Every keyword added will increase the precision of the search and limit the number of results. These are listed in alphabetical order of titles. 

If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact us so we can help.

If you have references to propose that we could add to our database, please use this Resource Sharing Form.

17 results
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
Author
Daniel B. Tague
Language
English
Source / Publisher
College of Music, Florida State University

This study was the first application of group drumming to be used for an entire treatment session in an acute psychiatric setting. This was also the first research trial to use drumming alone to influence the mood of in-patient psychiatric individuals. Results of this study indicate that a group drumming protocol can be successfully utilized as part of the psychosocial training program in a hospital setting. 

The effects of a Single Electronic Music Improvisation Session on the Pain of Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study
2018
Author
Samuel Rodgers-Melnick, Nadine Matthie, Coretta Jenerette, Tara J Griest Pell et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This study investigated feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a single-session electronic music improvisation with a music therapist to diminish pain intensity and improve pain relief and mood in adults with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Qualitatively, there were two prominent themes directly related to music: 1) music listening and music therapy offered many positive and few negative effects; and 2) music therapists provided comfort beyond the music. 

The effects of music therapy-based bereavement groups on mood and behavior of grieving children: A pilot study
2001
Author
Russell E. Hilliard
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of music therapy-based bereavement groups on mood and behavior of grieving children. The investigator concluded that participation in music therapy-based bereavement groups served to reduce grief symptoms among the subjects as evaluated in the home. Teacher and self-evaluations were less conclusive. 

The Impact of Group Music Therapy on Depression and Cognition in Elderly Persons With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study
2013
Author
Hsin Chu, Chyn-Yng Yang, Kuei-Ru Chou
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Biological research for Nursing

The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of group music therapy for improving depression and delaying the deterioration of cognitive functions in elderly persons with dementia. The group music intervention is a noninvasive and inexpensive therapy that appeared to reduce elders’ depression. 
 

The Transformative Thread of Music Therapy
2022
Author
Chiltern Music Therapy
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Chiltern Music Therapy

This film shares the story of three people who have been supported through the power of music.
Music therapy helps people of all ages find their voice. Music therapy is unique in connecting at an emotional level, while improving speech, movement and learning skills.