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. 

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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55 results
Familiar songs may help maximise recovery in children with brain injuries
2025
Type of reference
General information
Author
Caitlin McAtomney
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The University of Melbourne
Country
Australia

Research conducted at the University of Melbourne demonstrates that familiar songs can stimulate brain responses that other stimuli cannot in children with severe brain injuries. This article suggests that music therapy can facilitate neurorehabilitation and speed recovery.

Click here to read the study referenced in this article.

Future perspectives on neural mechanisms underlying rhythm and music based neurorehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Yuko Koshimori, Michael H. Thaut
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Ageing Research Reviews
Country
Canada

This article reviews the use of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) to improve gait and other motor behaviors in Parkinson's Disease (PD). It aims to appraise the current state of knowledge in order to direct further neuroimaging studies about the therapeutic effects of rhythm and music based interventions for motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. 

Innovative music therapy in Calgary hopes to help people walk again - Video
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Global News
Country
Canada

This video presents how music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals.  It includes patient testimonies and perspectives from a music therapist.  

Click here to read the related article

Innovative music therapy in Calgary hopes to help people walk again
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jil Croteau
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Global News
Country
Canada

Music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals

Integrative Review of Music and Music Therapy Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Children with Acquired Brain Injury
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
James Burns, Hannah Healy, Rebecca O’Connor, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Ireland

This article provides a review of current studies on music therapy interventions and children with acquired brain injury (ABI). The results explore the benefits of music therapy interventions, the use of music therapy as a motivator, and professional collaboration.

‘It’s lovely to be able to communicate with her’: Music therapy helps Kia to finally find her voice
2024
Type of reference
General information
Author
Alice Hinds
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Sunday Post
Country
United Kingdom (UK)

Read how Nordoff Robbins music therapy helped a child with complex needs improve communication and self-expression, with testimonials from her mother and therapist.

Click here to watch a live Nordoff Robbins music therapy session.

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

Learn about a child with a neurologic disorder who received music therapy services and watch 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
Country
United States (USA)

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

Music brings Parkinson's patients together and helps them regain skills
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Michele Skalicky
Language
English
Source / Publisher
KSMU Radio
Country
United States (USA)

A music therapy group for individual's with Parkinson's disease is hosted on a weekly basis at Drury University. A music therapist and participants share how the sessions improve neurorehabilitation and symptom management through drumming, instrument playing, and singing.  The text includes an audio excerpt embedded in the article.

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

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

Music Therapy and Music-Based Interventions in Pediatric Neurorehabilitation
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Elisa Milcent Fernandez & Christopher J. Newman
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children
Country
Switzerland

Review of current research supporting the use of music therapy and music-based interventions in pediatric neurorehabilitation. Results demonstrated measurable benefits of music therapy in multidisciplinary teams in three principle domains: gait rehabilitation, upper limb function, and speech recovery.

Music Therapy and Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review from 2015–2020
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Manuel Joaquín Machado Sotomayor, Víctor Arufe-Giráldez, Gerardo Ruíz-Rico, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Country
Ecuador
Spain

This  systematic review examines existing scientific literature on the effects of music therapy on individuals living with Parkinson's disease. Results display a great diversity of evidence, confirming positive effects on in motor, communication, emotional, and cognitive skills.