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.

Language
Type of reference
Clients
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342 results
Effect of Music Therapy on Chemotherapy Anticipatory Symptoms in Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Filippo Giordano, Chiara Rutigliano, Caterina Ugolini, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
Country
Italy

This study is about music therapy with adolescents undergoing chemotherapy.  A significant reduction in anxiety, nausea and vomiting was observed. Furthermore, perceived stress and psychological/physical wellbeing were improved in participants. 

Effect of music therapy on emotional resilience, well-being, and employability: a quantitative investigation of mediation and moderation
2025
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Yingjie Feng, Mingda Wang
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Psychology
Country
Malaysia

This article examines the impact of music therapy on adults participating in employment training programs or actively seeking work, after receiving online music therapy sessions designed to enhance emotional regulation and stress management. Music therapy significantly improved emotional resilience, overall well-being, and employability among participants.

Effect of singing on respiratory function, voice, and mood after quadriplegia: a randomized controlled trial
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeanette Tamplin, Felicity A. Baker, Denise Grocke, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Country
Australia

This study explores the effects of singing on respiratory function, voice, mood, and quality of life for people with quadriplegia. Results showed that group music therapy can have a positive effect on physical outcomes, mood, energy, social participation, and quality of life.

Effects of music therapy and music-based interventions in the treatment of substance use disorders: A systematic review.
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Louisa Hohmann, Joke Bradt, Thomas Stegemann, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
PLoS One
Country
Austria
United States (USA)
Norway

The authors of this review conducted a systematic search on published articles examining effects of music, music therapy (MT) and music based interventions (MBI), and found 34 quantitative and six qualitative studies. Beneficial effects of MT and MBI on emotional and motivational outcomes, participation, locus of control, and perceived helpfulness were reported. The analysis of the qualitative studies revealed four themes: emotional expression, group interaction, development of skills, and improvement of quality of life.

Effects of Music Therapy on Quality of Life in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease (MUSIQOLS): A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Samuel Rodgers-Melnick, Lucas Lin, Kristina Gam, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain Research
Country
United States (USA)

This study examined whether music therapy is was beneficial among adults with sickle cell disease and chronic pain. Interviews revealed that participants learned new self-management skills and that music therapy improved their ability to cope with pain.

Click here to watch a video about this study.

El Poder Terapeutico de la Música
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Max Teran
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talk
Country
Costa Rica

Music therapist Max Terán explains what music therapy is, who can benefit, how it can help diverse populations, and how he became a music therapist.

Ethnomusicological perspectives on autism, neurodiversity, and music therapy.
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Michael B. Bakan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 14(3).
Country
United States (USA)

This article suggests a provisional paradigm shift from disability as pathology, to disability as neurodiversity: this has the potential to productively resituate the epistemological orientations of music therapy, both as a field of inquiry and a domain of practice. Drawing from their own work on the ethnomusicology of autism, as well as from research and writings in disability studies and autistic self-advocacy, they propose that the relativistic foundations of ethnomusicology offer a potentially useful alternative and complement to the principally treatment-directed foundations of music therapy.

European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC)
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC)

The European Music Therapy Confederation was founded in 1991, as a forum for exchange between music therapists in Europe. The EMTC is a confederation of professional music therapy associations, working actively to promote the further development of professional practice in Europe, and to foster exchange and collaboration between member countries.

Evaluation of a music therapy social skills development program for youth with limited resources
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Varvara Pasiali
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy, Volume 55, Issue 3
Country
United States (USA)

This research examines the potential benefit of a music therapy social skills development program to improve social skills and academic performance of school-aged children with limited resources, in an afterschool program.
 

Exit music: The experience of music therapy within medical assistance in dying
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
SarahRose Black, Gary Rodin, Lee Bartel
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Healthcare 8(3)
Country
Canada

Since the 2015 Canadian legalization of medical assistance in dying (MAiD), many Canadian music therapists have become involved in the care of those requesting this procedure. This qualitative study, the first of its kind, examines the experience of music therapy within MAiD, exploring lived experience from three perspectives: the patient, their primary caregiver, and the music therapist/researcher.

Expériences de musicothérapeutes travaillant à court terme avec des groupes d’adolescents en santé mentale
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Erika Guittard
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy
Country
Canada

A study documenting the practice of three Canadian music therapists who specialize in adolescent mental health. They share their experience, discuss goals within single-session open groups and program structures in brief therapy and the professional skills required for this work.

Exploring music for students who are blind
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Perkins School for the Blind
Country
United States (USA)

This report tells how music therapists help the various needs of students in a school for the blind. Different music therapy interventions are described, and music therapists explain how they address goals based on their students' Individual education plan.