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. 

Language
Type of reference
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284 results
Music and it's Impacts on the Brain
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Elizabeth Stegenmöller
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks

 Elizabeth Stegemöller presents at the TEDx Iowa State University event on music therapy and it's impacts on the brain. She is a music therapist and utilizes music therapy to treat people with Parkinson's disease.

Music and Life in the Field of Play: An Anthology
2006
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Carolyn Kenny
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers

An anthology of selected writings and presentations by Carolyn Kenny from 1979 to 2006. This volume includes two books, The Mythic Artery and The Field of Play; articles from journals about Music Therapy and Indigenous Studies, chapters in books on Music Therapy; and previously unpublished papers and case study. This volume clearly reveals, perhaps for the first time, the important interplay between Kenny’s lifelong work in Music Therapy and her parallel work in Indigenous Studies. It also integrates many disciplines that both influence and are influenced by Music Therapy education, practice, and research.

Music and spirituality: Explanations and implications for music therapy
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Paul Laurent Lauzon
Language
English
Source / Publisher
British Journal of Music Therapy

Previous literature in music therapy suggests a need for greater clarity and insight concerning correlations between music and spirituality for the modern clinician. The purpose of this article is to provide a clear explanation of these correlations and some possible implications for the practice of music therapy.

Music class provides therapy for children with vision loss
2020
Type of reference
General information
Author
TMJ4 News, Milwaukee, USA
Language
English

This news report describes the impact of music therapy on children with visual impairment. A parent speaks about the changes they have seen on their child, and their hopes for the future. 

Music for Pain and Anxiety in Children Undergoing Medical Procedures: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
2008
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jeffrey A. Klassen, Yuanyuan Liang PhD, Lisa Tjosvold MLIS, Terry P. Klassen MD, MSc, Lisa Hartling MSc
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Ambulatory Pediatrics

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the efficacy of music therapy on pain and anxiety in children undergoing clinical procedures. Conclusion: Music is effective in reducing anxiety and pain in children undergoing medical and dental procedures; it can be considered an adjunctive therapy in clinical situations that produce pain or anxiety.

Music Interventions and Group Participation Skills of Preschoolers with Visual Impairments: Raising Questions about Music, Arousal, and Attention
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sheri L. Robb
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This pilot study had two purposes: First, to document and compare attentive behavior during music and play-based group instructional sessions and second, and to document and compare 4 group participation behaviors during music and play-based sessions. Discussion regarding differential outcomes among participants, as well as an exploration of theories related to music, arousal, and attention are discussed in an effort to guide future research.

Music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in people with cancer
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Joke Bradt, Cheryl Dileo, Katherine Myers-Coffman, Jacelyn Biondo
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

This systematic review indicates that music interventions compared to standard care may have beneficial effects on anxiety, depression, hope, pain, and fatigue in adults with cancer. The results of two trials suggest that music interventions may have a beneficial effect on anxiety in children with cancer. For several outcomes, music therapy interventions delivered by a trained music therapist led to consistent results across studies. The abstract is available in many languages. 

Music as medicine at the Montreal Children's Hospital
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Hayley Juhl
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Montreal Gazette

 Three therapists use instruments and voices — and parents — to reach kids "where they're at" and promote healing and a feeling of safety. Music therapists at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (Pascal Comeau, Julien Peyrin and Christelle Jacquet) sing and use instruments to help children get in touch with their emotions and find calm when undergoing procedures.

Music, Music Therapy and Child Development
2013
Type of reference
General information
Author
Guylaine Vaillancourt
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Éditions CHU Sainte-Justine, collection du CHU Sainte-Justine pour les parents

This book, written by music therapist Guylaine Vaillancourt, is divided in two parts. This book is intended to make parents, educators and care-givers aware of how music and music therapy can benefit children. It also explains how the purposeful use of music by music therapy professionals can restore, maintain or enhance physical and psychological well-being of children. 
 

Music of the Soul: Composing Life out of Loss
2006
Type of reference
General information
Author
Joy S. Berger
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Routledge

This interdisciplinary book guides the reader through principles, techniques, and exercises for incorporating music into grief counseling, with the end goal of further empowering the grieving person. Music has a unique ability to elicit a whole range of powerful emotional responses in people - even so far as altering or enhancing one's mood - as well as physical reactions. The book uses musical expression to help the bereaved find meaning in loss and hurt, and move forward with their lives. 

A Music Therapist seeks to tap into long-lost memories
2021
Type of reference
General information
Author
Claudia Lopez Lloreda
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Science News

Music therapy is often used to improve well-being. A new study hints that for people with dementia, listening to music can induce lingering emotions even if they don't remember listening.

Music therapists’ perceptions of creating safety in the context of trauma with children and adolescents: A qualitative study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Hsin-I Cindy Lai, Grace Thompson & Katrina Skewes McFerran
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

This research study interviews  experienced music therapists of diverse cultural backgrounds. The results provide recommendations on how to build safety in the therapeutic relationship among children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.