Resources & references

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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.

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256 results
Supporting parent-child interactions: Music therapy as an intervention for promoting mutually responsive orientation
2012
Author
Varvara Pasiali
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy, vol. 49 issue 3

One of the few controlled researches that focus on parental bonding and music therapy.

Music therapists working with families address relationship and interpersonal communication issues; this research documents how music therapy supports mutuality and reciprocity in parent-child interactions.
 

 

Systematic Review of Music-Based Interventions for Procedural Support (A)
2015
Author
Olivia Swedberg Yinger, Lori F. Gooding
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This review investigated the effects of music-based interventions (music therapy and music medicine) on pain and anxiety in children and adults undergoing medical procedures. Conclusions: There is a need to clearly define and differentiate between music therapy and music medicine interventions in procedural support research. Further research is necessary to determine which patients would benefit most from music interventions during medical procedures, and which interventions are most beneficial. 

The Development of a Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy (MBMT) Program for Women Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
2016
Author
Teresa Lesiuk
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Healthcare, 4(3)

This paper delineates the design and development of the mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT) program implemented in a pilot study and includes clients’ narrative journal responses. Conclusions and recommendations, including recommendation for further exploration of the function of music in mindfulness practice are provided.

The drum circle project: A qualitative study with at-risk youth in a school setting
2010
Author
Shelley Snow, Miranda D'Amico
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy

This paper describes a qualitative study that explores possible therapeutic benefits from the implementation of a music therapy drumming circle with at-risk youth in an alternative high school. The results could contribute to the development of this model for music therapists by 1) contributing to our understanding of how this process can work; 2) informing our understanding of therapeutic benefits and potential; 3) informing practice within school settings by music therapists.

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 Effect of Music-Based Imagery and Musical Alternate Engagement on the Burn Debridement Process
2001
Author
Richard Fratianne, Jennifer Prensner, Molly Huston, Dennis Super, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Burn Care & Research

The intent of this study was to test the efficacy of music therapy in assisting burn patients in managing their pain and anxiety during debridement. Twenty-five patients, 7 years of age and older, were enrolled in the study. There was a significant reduction in the self-reporting of pain in those who received music therapy in contrast to those who did not receive music therapy. Therefore, music therapy is a valuable noninvasive intervention for the treatment of pain after burn injury.

The Effect of Songwriting on Knowledge of Coping Skills and Working Alliance in Psychiatric Patients: A Randomized Clinical Effectiveness Study.
2011
Author
Michael J. Silverman
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a songwriting intervention on psychiatric patients' knowledge of coping skills and working alliance. It seems that group songwriting about coping skills can be as effective a psychosocial intervention as traditional talk-based psychoeducation to teach psychiatric inpatients how to proactively manage their illness. Additionally, music therapy can be as effective as talk-based psychoeducation in establishing working alliance. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.

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 on engagement in family caregiver and care receiver couples with dementia
2002
Author
Alicia Ann Clair
Language
English
Source / Publisher
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of caregiver-implemented music applications on engagement with their care receivers. Music therapy applications are effective in increasing mutual engagement in couples with dementia, and caregivers can effectively facilitate the engagement using music. Furthermore, once the engagement is established, it carries over into visitation without 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 Efficacy of Music Therapy Protocols for Decreasing Pain, Anxiety, and Muscle Tension Levels During Burn Dressing Changes: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Trial
2010
Author
Xueli Tan, Charles J. Yowler, Dennis M. Super, Richard B. Fratianne
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Burn Care & Research

The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of two music therapy protocols on pain, anxiety, and muscle tension levels during dressing changes in burn patients. Twenty-nine inpatients participated in this prospective, crossover randomized controlled trial. Patients practiced music-based imagery (MBI), a form of music-assisted relaxation with patient-specific mental imagery before and after dressing changes. Also, the patients engaged in music alternate engagement (MAE), which consisted of active participation in music making. Conclusion: music therapy significantly decreases the acute procedural pain, anxiety, and muscle tension levels associated with daily burn care.

The Impact of Group Drumming on Social-Emotional Behavior in Low-Income Children
2011
Author
Ho, Ping; Tsao, Jennie; Bloch, Lian; Zeltze, Lonnie K
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This study assessed the effects of 12 weeks of school counselor-led drumming on social-emotional behavior in two fifth-grade intervention classrooms versus two standard education control classrooms. The weekly intervention integrated rhythmic and group counseling activities to build skills, such as emotion management, focus and listening. Participation in group drumming led to significant improvements in multiple domains of social-emotional behavior.