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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31 results
Abby's Recital - Music Therapy at the Primary Children's Hospital
2017
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Primary Children's Hospital

This video narrates a young girl progress through her music therapy treatment at Primary Children's Hospital. She was referred to music therapy for an important head injury, and slowly finds her skills back with the help of Kayla Zickerman, Music Therapist. In the end of her two-month hospitalization, the patient offers a recital that demonstrates the extent of what she was able to work on in music therapy at the hospital.

Active versus receptive group music therapy for major depressive disorder—A pilot study
2016
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Penchaya A., Papan T., Patchawan P., & W. Katekaew
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Complementary Therapies in Medicine

This single-blinded randomized controlled trial compares the effects of 1) active group music therapy and 2) receptive group music therapy to group counseling in treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The conclusion is that group music therapy, either active or receptive, is an interesting adjunctive treatment option for outpatients with MDD. 

Alzheimer patients turn to music therapy to help focus mind
2015
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
USA Today

This news story features the clinical work of Matthew Frederick, a music therapist in the United States. Matthew offers an individual music therapy session to an older adult with Alzheimer's disease and the client's spouse.

A Conversation About… Mental Health and Music Therapy: Exploring a Session (PDF transcript version)
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Mental Health Professionals' Network

This transcription of a podcast episode presents a conversation about music therapy. Prof. Mark Creamer interviews Dr Jennifer Bibb and Dr Jason Kenner to discuss the clinical process of music therapy (i.e., referral, assessment, treatment, termination). The podcast also presents music therapy content and examples of music therapy experiences.

A Conversation About… Mental Health and Music Therapy: Exploring a Session
2024
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Mental Health Professionals' Network

This audio podcast presents a conversation about music therapy. Prof. Mark Creamer receives Dr Jennifer Bibb and Dr Jason Kenner to discuss the clinical process of music therapy : referral, assessment, treatment, terminaison. Also, the content of music therapy session is discussed. Examples of music therapy experiences are heard. 

A day in the life of a hospice music therapist
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Carilion Clinic

This video presents music therapy sessions led by Kelly Sweeney and Jessie Palmer, board-certified music therapists (United States), to patients in the Carilion Clinic Hospice. Note: The beginning (2m 33s) corresponds to the excerpt shown in the lesson on music therapy. 

Gender affirming voicework: An introduction for music therapy
2019
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Maevon Gumble
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy

Informed by personal experiences, queer autoethnographic research, and literature from the fields of speech-language pathology, vocal pedagogy and music therapy, this paper is an introduction to gender affirming voicework in music therapy, the training that it might involve, and several questions/issues that need further exploration. As a new holistic method grounded in a queer theoretical framework, the author envisions this work to be a therapeutic space focused on accessing and embodying affirming gender expressions by working with the intersections of the physical voice, the psychological voice, and the body as these each become relevant to an individual.

How Music Therapy Can Become Medicine for Hospital Patients
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Anicka Quin
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Reader's Digest Best Health

This article summarizes many ways in which music therapy is used in medical institutions. Testimonials from patients and interviews with therapists are featured. 
 

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.

Ivy’s Story - Music Therapy at BC Children’s Hospital
2022
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Heals

This video features the story of a young patient's healing from leukemia, who benefitted from music therapy during her hospital stay. Testimonials from the child, the parents, the music therapist and a pediatrician are shown.

Music, Therapy and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach
2008
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Elizabeth K. Schwartz
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Barcelona Publishers

A comprehensive guide to music therapy with young children, providing a detailed examination of development from birth to age five, with theoretical perspectives and extensive scales of developmental milestones.
The author categorizes development within five levels. An expansive catalog of musical goals is provided for singing, playing, moving, and musical understanding within each level.

Music Therapy and Mental Health
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jody Mackay
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music Therapy Association of British Columbia

This informational page from the Music Therapy Association of British-Columbia provides an overview of music therapy practices in a mental health context. It describes why music therapy may be effective in addressing mental health needs, lists examples of mental illnesses where music therapy can help, presents different approaches and activities that can be used, and provides literature supporting the use of music therapy for mental health.