Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

Check back often as we add more resources.

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

If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact us so we can help.

If you have references to propose that we could add to our database, please use this Resource Sharing Form.

Note (*) : the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.

126 results
Musicothérapie et santé mentale : l’expérience de musicothérapeutes québécois
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Revue officielle de l’Association canadienne des musicothérapeutes

The objective of this phenomenological research is to document the experience of music therapists practicing in mental health with adults receiving services in community and hospital settings in Quebec. Reflections, recommendations, research ideas, and the results of interviews are presented here. It is hoped that this work will help to foster the use of music therapy practices in mental health, an innovative and creative approach.

A narrative review of music therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and rationale for protocolized music teletherapy
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sonya G Wang , Andrea M Cevasco-Trotter, Michael J Silverman, Shauna H Yuan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Front Med.

This research article offers rational for protocolized music teletherapy (MTT) for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. MTT made music therapy services more accessible and was effective in addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms.

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. 

It Is Not Just Music and Rhythm . . . Evaluation of a Drumming-Based Intervention to Improve the Social Wellbeing of Alienated Youth
2012
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Simon Faulkner, Lisa Wood, Penny Ivery and Robert Donovan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children Australia

The Discovering Relationship Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes & Thoughts (DRUMBEAT) program used drumming as a way of engaging at risk youth in a form of musical expression, while simultaneously incorporating themes and discussions relating to healthy relationships with others. The results support the underlying program theory, that combining the therapeutic potential of musical expression with basic cognitive–behavioural therapy can be used successfully to deliver a range of social learning outcomes, including emotional control, improved relationships and increased self-esteem.

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.
 

Overview of a Music Therapy Program at a Maximum Security Unit of a State Psychiatric Facility
2002
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Melinda Fulford
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Perspectives

This article describes a music therapy program in a maximum security psychiatric state facility. Brief descriptions of the patient population, admission and discharge criteria, safety and security concerns, music therapy interventions, and behavioral strategies are given in order to provide a picture of the program and the concerns associated with this population.

Parents’ Views with Music Therapy in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Vladimir L. Cousin, Hubert Colau, Francisca Barcos-Munoz, Peter C. Rimensberger, et Angelo Polito
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Children

Cette étude rapporte que la musicothérapie (MT) pourrait être utilisée comme thérapie adjuvante en soins intensifs pédiatriques (SIP), pour l’anxiété et la gestion de la douleur. L’objectif de cette étude était d’examiner la perception de la musicothérapie par des parents d’enfants en SIP d’un hôpital universitaire. L’étude corrobore les potentiels positifs de la MT en SIP rapportés dans d’autres études:la musicothérapie pourrait être utilisée pour promouvoir le bien-être psychologique des parents et des enfants. 

ParkinSong: A Controlled Trial of Singing-Based Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Meg E. Morris and Adam P. Vogel
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of an interdisciplinary singing-based therapeutic intervention (ParkinSong) on voice and communication in people with Parkinson’s disease. The results show that ParkinSong is an engaging intervention with the potential to increase loudness and respiratory function in people with mild to moderately severe PD.

ParkinSong Online: protocol for a telehealth feasibility study of therapeutic group singing for people with Parkinson’s disease
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Meg E Morris, Felicity A Baker, Tanara Vieira Sousa et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMJ Open

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online mode of delivery for a Parkinson’s singing intervention (ParkinSong) as well as remote data collection procedures. This mode of delivery aims to increase the accessibility of singing interventions.

A penguin on the moon: Self-organizational processes in improvisational music therapy in neurological rehabilitation
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Wolfgang Schmid
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

This research article explores how improvisational music therapy can promote neurological rehabilitation among individuals with neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). It discusses how music improvisation can improve self-organizational processes, attunement with self and others, and communication.

Perceptions of family members of palliative medicine and hospice patients who experienced music therapy
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lisa M. Gallagher, Ruth Lagman, Debbie Bates, Melissa Edsall, et. al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer

The primary purpose of this study was to understand family members’ perceptions of music therapy experienced by a relative in palliative medicine or hospice. Patient self-reported scales and music therapist assessment of change were also investigated. Patients reported statistically significant improvement in pain, depression, distress, and mood scores. Family members of patients in palliative medicine and hospice settings reported an immediate positive impact of music therapy on the patient and on themselves.