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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11 results
A critical realist evaluation of a music therapy intervention in palliative care
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Sam Porter, Tracey McConnell, Mike Clarke, Jenny Kirkwood, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
BMC Palliative Care

This study examined the processes and experiences involved in the introduction of music therapy as an adjunct complementary therapy to palliative care in a hospice setting in the United Kingdom (UK). Results: Music therapy contains multiple mechanisms that can provide physical, psychological, emotional, expressive, existential and social support. 

Music Therapy for Children with Oncology & Hematological Conditions and Their Families: Advancing the Standards of Psychosocial Care
2022
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
David Knott, Caitlin Krater, Jessica MacLean, Kim Robertson, Kristin Stegenga, Sheri L. Robb
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing

This research article evaluated how music therapy can help children, teenagers, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. It determined that music therapy is highly beneficial to have in an interdisciplinary team to manage symptoms and provide psychosocial care. 

Music therapy for palliative care: A realist review
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Tracey McConnell, Sam Porter
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Palliative & Supportive Care

This article investigates the therapeutic effects of music therapy for individuals in palliative care facing physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual challenges.

Music Therapy in Palliative Care: New Voices
1999
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
David Aldridge
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jessica Kingsley Publishers

This book presents some of the work from music therapists working in different approaches, in different countries, showing how valuable the inclusion of music therapy in palliative care has already proved to be. It is important for the dying, or those with terminal illness, that approaches are used which integrate the physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of their being. 

Music Therapy in the Psychosocial Treatment of Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Friederike Köhler, Zoe-Sofia Martin, Ruth-Susanne Hertrampf, Christine Gäbel, Jens Kessler, Beate Ditzen, Marco Warth
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology

This research article reviewed existing studies to evaluate the efficacy of music therapy in supporting adults going through cancer treatment. The results showed that music therapy was effective in improving psychosocial wellbeing, pain management, and enhancing quality of life.

Music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a comprehensive literature review
2014
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Thomas Ostermann, Wolfgang Schmid
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics

This research article evaluates current studies that explore the benefits of music therapy for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The results showed that music therapy offers psychosocial and emotional benefits such as improving self-acceptance and reducing anxiety and depression.

La musicoterapia rompe las barreras del silencio
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Sheila Pereiro
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
TEDx Talk

In this video (in Spanish), Sheila Pereiro, a music therapist in Spain, shares about her experiences working with diverse populations of various ages and needs. She describes how music helped her clients express themselves, connect with others, find healing, and enhance their quality of life.

Qué es la musicoterapia? - Carla Navarro, Pedro Vinuesa et al.
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Neuras Ciencia

This video (in Spanish) includes interviews from Carla Navarro, Pedro Vinuesa, María Martínez-Gil, and Paula Ramirez who are music therapists in Spain. They explain what music therapy is, who can benefit, and how it can help people of all ages. Clients who received music therapy also describe how music therapy improved their life.

The Effect of Music Therapy on Mood States in Neurological Patients: A Pilot Study
2002
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Wendy L. Magee, Jane W. Davidson
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Music Therapy

This research article investigates how music therapy influences the mood levels of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TB), and other types of brain injuries. The results demonstrated that participants had elevated mood levels after engaging in individual music therapy sessions.

Therapeutic Effect of Music Therapy on Patients with End-stage Cancer: A Retrospective Study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Jiali Dong , Yanhua Qu
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Noise & Health

This research article studies the effects of music therapy for patients with a terminal illness who are receiving end-of-life care within a family context. It studies the impact that music therapy can have on patients' immune system, quality of life, quality of sleep, and anxiety and depression levels.

When words don’t come easy
2024
Type of reference
General information
Author
Hayley Antipas
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Australian Music Therapy Association

This article describes the experience of a registered music therapist in Australia who offered music therapy services to an older adult with early onset dementia. It provides clinical examples of what music therapy is and how it can improve the quality of life of older adults.