Resources & references

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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. 

Language
Type of reference
Clients
Format

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39 results
Los beneficios de la musicoterapia
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Telemadrid

This video (in Spanish) presents a child with a neurologic disorder who received music therapy services in Spain. It includes interviews from the child's mother, the music therapist, and a music therapy student.

Music and its Impact on the Brain
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Elizabeth Stegenmöller
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks

 Elizabeth Stegemöller presents at the TEDx Iowa State University event on music therapy and it's impacts on the brain. She is a music therapist and utilizes music therapy to treat people with Parkinson's disease.

Music therapists promote well-being
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Alberta Health Services

This video features an individual who was paralyzed due to a motor vehicle collision and participated in music therapy sessions in a hospital in Alberta, Canada. The video includes clips of music therapy sessions, testimonials from the patient, and interviews from certified music therapists.

Music therapy: ‘Her face just lights up when she hears it’
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
BBC News Northern Ireland

Watch the music therapy journey of a young girl with cerebral palsy and blindness. Her mother tells the changes she witnesses in her daugther during music therapy sessions. Also, this video explains how music therapy is provided in Northen Ireland. The Royal National Institute for the Blind advocates for more music therary access for children in this country. 

Music Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Results of a Systematic Qualitative Analysis
2004
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Wendy L. Magee, Jane W. Davidson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives

This research article investigates the effects of music therapy for adults with chronic and progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) based on current studies. The results prove that music therapy addresses emotional, physical, and interpersonal challenges that come from acquired disabilities.

Music therapy program at Calgary’s Foothills hospital expanded - Video
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Global News

This video presents the testimony of a patient in rehabilitation and the explanations from a music therapist, at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.

Click here to read the related article.

Music Therapy program at Calgary's Foothills hospital Expanded
2018
Type of reference
General information
Author
Carolyn Kury de Castilla
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Global News

Music therapy is offered at the Foothills Medical Centre intensive care unit in Calgary. It is part of an expanded music therapy program that is helping patients in palliative care, stroke victims, and others.

Music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a comprehensive literature review
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Thomas Ostermann, Wolfgang Schmid
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics

This research article evaluates current studies that explore the benefits of music therapy for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The results showed that music therapy offers psychosocial and emotional benefits such as improving self-acceptance and reducing anxiety and depression.

Music-based interventions can improve stroke, Parkinson's Disease
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Emily Henderson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
News Medical, Life Sciences

 Article describes research findings of music therapy with individuals recovering from a stroke or who are managing Parkinson's disease. This article discusses the use of music therapy for neurorehabilitation

Neurobiological Foundations of Neurologic Music Therapy: Rhythmic Entrainment and the Motor System
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Michael Thaut, Gerald C. Mcintosh and Volker Hoemberg
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology

This research article explains the scientific basis of Neurologic Music Therapy. In this music therapy approach, trained professionals use rhythm and auditory perception to enhance physical, cognitive, speech, and language rehabilitation along clients with various diagnoses. 

New perspectives on music in rehabilitation of executive and attention function
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Yuko Koshimori & Michael H. Thaut
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Neuroscience

Modern music therapy, starting around the middle of the twentieth century was primarily conceived to promote emotional well-being and to facilitate social group association and integration. Therefore, it was rooted mostly in social science concepts. More recently, music as therapy began to move decidedly toward perspectives of neuroscience. This has been facilitated by the advent of neuroimaging techniques that help uncover the therapeutic mechanisms for non-musical goals in the brain processes underlying music perception, cognition, and production. In this paper, we focus on executive function (EF) and attentional processes (AP) that are central for cognitive rehabilitation efforts. To this end, we summarize existing behavioral as well as neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies in musicians, non-musicians, and clinical populations. 

Orchestrating a New Path for Multiple Sclerosis: Achieving Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rehabilitation Goals Through Physical and Music Therapy
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Megan Weigel, Brian Hutchinson, Wendy L. Magee, Kevin Leong, Tom Sweitzer, Jamie L. Weiss, Wendy Su, Renée Fleming
Language
English
Source / Publisher
International Journal of Multiple Sclerosis Care

This research article investigates who how music therapy and physical therapy can benefit individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). It demonstrates how these types of therapies can enhance rehabilitation, treat symptoms, decrease the use of medication, and improve overall wellbeing.