Resources & references

An online destination for discovery & deeper understanding.

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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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298 results
How music therapy can help anxious children
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Dr. Elizabeth Coombes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation

This article describes the ways music therapy has been applied to help children cope with anxiety related disorders

How music therapy helps sick children cope
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Michigan Medicine
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Michigan Medicine

This video exposes a case study of a child who was born without eyes and has always feared medical procedures. She is enrolled in music therapy at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s to decrease her anxiety.

How music therapy is helping psychiatric patients heal at UofL Health
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
UofL Health

UofL Health (Louisville, Kentucky) is integrating music therapy into its care plan for inpatient psychiatric patients at UofL Hospital. This video introduces you to Katelyn Farris, the music therapist who is helping patients relax and recover through the soothing sounds of music.

I Am Safe and I Am Strong: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Resilience through Trauma-Informed Music Therapy
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Olivia Swedberg Yinger
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge

This book chapter provides an overview of research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), descriptions of key components of resilience in child development and trauma-informed care, and recommendations for music therapists. 
How can music therapy foster resilience in children who have lived though adverse experiences? How can music therapists provide trauma-informed care to their most vulnerable clients?"mmandations pour les musicothérapeutes. 

Improved motor skills in autistic children after three weeks of neurologic music therapy via telehealth: a pilot study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nicole Richard Williams, Corene Hurt-Thaut, Jessica Brian, Luc Tremblay et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology

This mixed-methods pilot study investigated whether nine Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)® sessions via telehealth would improve motor and attention skills in autistic children. The improvements in motor skills and positive caregiver and therapist views of telehealth indicate that NMT motor interventions administered via telehealth are a promising avenue of therapeutic support for movement skill development in autistic children.

Individual music therapy for agitation in dementia: an exploratory randomized controlled trial
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Hanne Mette O Ridder, Brynjulf Stige, Liv Gunnhild Qvale, Christian Gold
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Ageing & mental health

Agitation in nursing home residents with dementia leads to a decrease in quality of life and an increase in psychotropic medication, patient distress, and caregiver burnout. This study shows that after six weeks, music therapy reduced agitation disruptiveness and prevented medication increases for persons with moderate to severe dementia.

Innovative music therapy in Calgary hopes to help people walk again
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jil Croteau
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Global News

Music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals

Innovative music therapy in Calgary hopes to help people walk again - Video
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Global News

This video presents how music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals.  It includes patient testimonies and perspectives from a music therapist.  

Click here to read the related article

Integrative Review of Music and Music Therapy Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Children with Acquired Brain Injury
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
James Burns, Hannah Healy, Rebecca O’Connor, Hilary Moss
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This article provides a review of current studies on music therapy interventions and children with acquired brain injury (ABI). The results explore the benefits of music therapy interventions, the use of music therapy as a motivator, and professional collaboration.

Intergenerational Jamboree: A step-by-step guide to intergenerational music therapy in senior living
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kate Dupuis, Kathy Lepp, Carrie Perkins, Melissa Jessop, Emma Bender
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Schlegel- UW Research Institute for Aging

This intervention guide is designed for music therapists and recreation and leisure/activity team members who support individuals living in retirement and long-term care (LTC) homes and wish to provide intergenerational music therapy experiences to their residents. The creation of the Jamboree was a collaborative process between the music therapist and the director of recreation at the Village of Riverside Glen LTC home in Guelph, Canada. The team advocates that creating intergenerational opportunities can benefit the health and well-being of both younger and older individuals. 

Intergenerational Music Therapy Jamboree
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
French/English - in language other than audio
Source / Publisher
Schlegel- UW Research Institute for Aging

The Jamboree is an intergenerational music therapy program in which young children, typically between the age of 0-4, and their accompanying adults (e.g., parent, grandparent, guardian) take part in weekly music therapy sessions along with residents living in retirement or LTC. During each session, a certified music therapist leads the group in singing songs, moving to music, using instruments and props (e.g., drums, scarves, bubbles) and gently facilitates interaction between participants. Additional care providers (e.g., recreation team members) observe, support and can participate in the program alongside the residents.

Interprofessional Occupational Therapy and Music Therapy Piano Keyboard Intervention for Preschoolers with Visual Impairments: A Non-Randomized Pilot Case Study
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kelle K. DeBoth, Carol A. Olszewski , Nicole Roberge, Monica Owen
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention

This study describes an interprofessional intervention program, combining the expertise of an occupational therapist and of a music therapist to systematically teach piano keyboarding to preschool children with impaired vision. We conducted a small, mixed methods non-randomized pilot case study to determine how such a program could be successfully embedded into a preschool setting, to examine if fine motor skills improve post-intervention, and to study the perceived effects on participants and their families.