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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452 results Clear all
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy (CJMT)
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Association of Music Therapists
Country
Canada

The Canadian Journal of Music Therapy (CJMT) is a peer-reviewed publication in English and French that aims to raise international standards of music therapy knowledge and practice. 

Canadian Mennonite University - Music therapy education & programs
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Mennonite University
Country
Canada

Learn about the Canadian Mennonite University's bachelor program in music therapy.

Canadian Music Therapy Podcast
2024
Type of reference
General information
Author
Adrienne Pringle, Cathy Thompson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Beyond the Studio
Country
Canada

This podcast features influential and experienced music therapists from across Canada. During candid conversations with Adrienne and Cathy, the guests share stories of resilience and impact as they reveal information about their own journeys as music therapists. 

Capilano University - Music therapy education & programs
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Capilano University
Country
Canada

Learn about Capilano University's bachelor program in music therapy.

Celebrating Pride with Inclusive Music Therapy
2020
Type of reference
General information
Author
Music Heals
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Heals
Country
Canada

This article describes how music therapy can be an anti-oppressive and affirmative service for LGBTQ+ individuals. It describes the benefits of music therapy in both group and individual settings, and describes an example of how one client benefited from a music therapy program.

C'est la journée internationale de la musique! - Musicothérapie au Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale de Laval
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale Laval
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale Laval
Country
Canada

Video interview with Méliane Laurier-Cromp, music therapist at the Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale de Laval. Reflexions on the role of the music therapist inside the social pediatrics team and on the added value of music therapy at the CPSL.

Characteristics of physical resources that facilitate family-led music-making with preschool children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Ajay Castelino
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability
Country
New Zealand

Read an article exploring the ways that a music therapist uses music therapy sessions to support families to engage with music-making with their multiply disabled preschool children outside of the music therapy space. Specific characteristics of the resources and tools provided are discussed.

Click here to read another study on the same research project by the same author.

Child-Centred Music Therapy: Integrating Best Interest of the child into Theory, Research, and Practice
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Viggo Krüger, Kathleen M. Murphy
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Springer Nature Switzerland
Country
United States (USA)
Norway

This book utilizes The United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) as a tool to critically explore what implications the convention has for the profession of music therapy, and more specifically, music therapy for children and adolescents.

Children's Right to Music
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
French
Source / Publisher
Concordia University, Department of Creative Arts Therapies
Country
Canada

Concordia University produced the "Children's Right to Music" documentary. The videos included in this documentary introduce music therapists interacting and using music with groups of children that are autistic or with some disabilities, in schools or community settings adapted to support their development and meet their needs.

Clinical effectiveness of mindfulness-based music therapy on improving emotional regulation in blind older women: A randomized controlled trial
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sunny H.W. Chan, Meryl Y.C. Cheung, Armstrong T.C. Chiu, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Integrative Medicine Research
Country
Hong Kong

This study aimed to investigate clinical effectiveness of a structured eight-week mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT) program on improving mood regulation in older women with blindness. 

Collaborative care for relationship completion: Case reports from intensive care units
2026
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Estelle Li En Ng, Min Yu Ng, & Hui Ying Shua, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare
Country
Singapore

Read an article exploring two case studies of the interdisciplinary collaboration between music therapists and medical social workers in end-of-life periods for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). The ways that each professional complements the other are highlighted. 

Comfort, connection and music: Experiences of music therapy and inter-active listening on a palliative care unit
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
SarahRose Black, Gary Rodin, Camilla Zimmermann
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music and Medicine
Country
Canada

This qualitative study explores the lived experience of inter-active listening (IAL), an individualized music therapy experience in which the therapist plays music or sings while the patient engages through listening. The study found that a receptive music therapy referred to as IAL was associated, in cancer patients in an acute palliative care unit, with increased emotional and spiritual well-being and a greater sense of connection to self and others.