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
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284 results
Music Therapy Program at SickKids
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Sick Kids Interactive
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sick Kids Interactive

This video shows work by music therapist Carolyn Williams with children at Sick Kids Medical Hospital, in Toronto. Parents talk about the impact that music therapy has had on the development and the recovery of their child, while the music therapist comments on the actions and reactions of the children in the video. 

Music Therapy Reduces Pain in Palliative Care Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kathy Jo Gutgsell, Mark Schluchter, Seunghee Margevicius, Peter A. DeGolia, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain and Symtpom Management

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a single music therapy session to reduce pain in palliative care patients. This research validates that a single music therapy intervention incorporating therapist-guided autogenic relaxation and live music was effective in lowering pain in palliative care patients.

A Music Therapy Respite Program for Caregivers of Individuals With Memory Loss
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Becky Wellman, PHD, LPMT, MT-BC
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives

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.

Music Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment with Tim Ringgold
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Tim Ringgold
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
WRAMTAS

A music therapist presents the use of Music Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment. He starts by describing life experiences that led him to music therapy. Then, he goes on to discuss the 5 main clinical goals to use when working with this population (which work into the S.O.B.E.R. acronym). Suggested interventions and more are also covered.

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

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of music therapy support groups (MTSG) on physical, psychological, and social functioning of cancer patients and caregivers. A mixed-methods approach was used, including an experimental, randomized, controlled trial and qualitative data from participant comments. The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant changes pre- to post-session in (a) pain in three sessions; (b) mood, stress, and anxiety in all six sessions; and (c) quality of life in two sessions.

Music Therapy at The End of Life (2nd edition)
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Cheryl Dileo & Mariagrazia Baroni (Eds.)
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jeffrey Books

This book has been designed as a textbook on music therapy for pediatric and adult patients receiving hospice care; it is divided into 4 parts. Part I is designed to provide foundational information on hospice and hospice music therapy. Part 2 includes descriptions of theory, assessment, roles of the therapist, and developmental issues in practice. Part 3 is focused on educational and professional issues. Part 4 is focused on advancing hospice music therapy. 

Music Therapy at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2019
Type of reference
General information
Language
French
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
The Montreal Children's Foundation

 Presentation by Tanya Lavoie, certified music therapist, working at the Montreal Children's Hospital.

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, Christine Gäbel, Jens Kessler, Beate Ditzen, Marco Warth
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology

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 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 Therapy Today
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT)

 Bi-annual online journal, whose purpose is to disseminate current knowledge and information about music therapy education, clinical practice, and research worldwide.

Music Therapy with Families: Therapeutic Approaches and Theoretical Perspectives
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Stine Lindahl Jacobsen, Grace Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jessica Kingsley Publishers

This book describes well-defined models of music therapy for working with families in different clinical areas, ranging from families with special needs children or dying family members through to families in psychiatric or paediatric hospital settings. International contributors discuss their specific approaches and share case studies. Particular emphasis is placed on connecting theory and clinical practice and on discussing the challenges and relevance of each model.

Music therapy, with a focus on babies, at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
French
Subtitle
French/English - in language other than audio
Source / Publisher
Montreal Children's Hospital

Pascal Comeau is part of the team of music therapists working at this hospital. With a variety of instruments, Pascal does much more than make music. By cleverly using soothing sounds, bright colors and fun shapes, he helps children who are admitted to the hospital for long periods of time or who have frequent appointments express their stress, fears and other feelings through music. For children with physical disabilities, playing an instrument and moving to the beat of the music can even improve their motor skills. In this video, find out more about the fascinating profession of music therapist!