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. 

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109 results
The effects of music therapy-based bereavement groups on mood and behavior of grieving children: A pilot study
2001
Type of reference
Scientific publications
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 effects of a Single Electronic Music Improvisation Session on the Pain of Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
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 structured musical activity sessions on the development of a child with autism spectrum disorder: A case study
2015
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Rose, P., & Johnson, K.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy & Special Music Education

This case study sought to discover the effects of structured music activity sessions on eye contact and communication skills of Hunter; a six year old, high functioning child with autism.

The Efficacy of Music Therapy Protocols for Decreasing Pain, Anxiety, and Muscle Tension Levels During Burn Dressing Changes: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Trial
2010
Type of reference
Scientific publications
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 Music Therapy on Depression and Cognition in Elderly Persons With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Hsin Chu, Chyn-Yng Yang, Kuei-Ru Chou
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Biological research for Nursing

The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of group music therapy for improving depression and delaying the deterioration of cognitive functions in elderly persons with dementia. The group music intervention is a noninvasive and inexpensive therapy that appeared to reduce elders’ depression. 
 

The Role of the music therapist in promoting parent-infant attachment
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jane Edwards
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy

This article provides a rationale as to why musical interaction supported by a qualified music therapist can offer a potential pathway for improved attachment between the parent and infant. Two strong trends are revealed: the international breadth of the developing work by music therapists within family-centred contexts of practice, especially work with infants and their parents in the early years; and the use of theoretical principles of communicative musicality (Malloch & Trevarthen, 2008) combined with knowledge of early musical skills.

This article is available in French full-text translation. 
 

The spiritual meaning of pre-loss music therapy to bereaved caregivers of advanced cancer patients
2009
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Lucanne Magill
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Palliative and Supportive Care

The aim of this study was to learn how music therapy sessions, held prior to the death of a loved one, impact spirituality in surviving caregivers of advanced cancer patients. Pre-loss music therapy can potentially assist caregivers during times of bereavement, as they retain memories of joy and empowerment, rather than memories of pain and distress, and find meaning through transcendence.

The use of group drumming-based music therapy with male adolescents in a school violence prevention program in Korea: A pilot study
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Eun Sil Suh
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Psychology of Music

This study investigated how a drumming experience influences students’ aggression and narrative experience as related to school violence. Participants were 15- to 16-year-old students from two classes in a men’s high school in a Southeastern city in Korea. The qualitative data indicated that group drumming may enhance self-esteem, assertiveness, emotional expression, anger management skills, cooperation, feelings of unity, empathy, and active listening skills.

The Use of Music in the Treatment and Management of Serious Mental Illness: A Global Scoping Review of the Literature
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Tasha L. Golden, Stacey Springs, Hannah J. Kimmel, Sonakshi Gupta, Alyssa Tiedemann et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology

L’objectif de cette étude de portée était d’identifier les types et la quantité de recherches à l’intersection de la musique et des maladies mentales sérieuses (MMS), documenter les manques de preuves et les opportunités de recherche, et générer des recommandations pour améliorer la recherche et la pratique. Cinq recommandations détaillées sont offertes afin de supporter le partage et le développement d’informations à travers les disciplines. 

The use of music therapy to address psychosocial needs of informal Caregivers: An Integrative Review
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Adrienne C. Steiner-Brett
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Arts in Psychotherapy

The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review and analyze the existent music therapy literature addressing psychosocial needs of informal caregivers. Three categories were developed to sort and synthesize the literature including articles with interventions targeting joint informal caregiver (ICV) and care receiver (CR) participation, ICG specific participation, and CR specific participation. Most studies utilized an experimental design and incorporated a variety of active music therapy techniques in a group format or songwriting.

A Theoretical Model of Resource-Oriented Music Therapy with Informal Hospice Caregivers during Pre-Bereavement
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Noah Potvin, Claire Ghetti
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This study was an exploratory inquiry into the role of music therapy with pre-bereaved informal hospice caregivers. Engagement with resource-oriented music therapy mediates the risk of increased care burden and results in resilience fostering purposefulness and value in caregiving. Resource-oriented music therapy provides a unique clinical avenue for supporting caregivers through pre-bereavement, and was acknowledged by caregivers as a unique and integral hospice service. 

Using music-adapted technology to explore Bruscia’s clinical techniques introduced in autism research: Pilot study
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Kurkjian, A., & Skinner, K.. Ahonen, H.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy

 This pilot research investigated eight most commonly used Bruscia’s (1987) clinical improvisation techniques utilised in music therapy with autistic clients: imitating, reflecting, synchronising, extending, symbolising, holding, incorporating, and rhythmic grounding. Improvisations were recorded using LogicPro connected to MalletKAT
instruments. Improvisations were analysed using music-adapted technology, the MIDI Toolbox.