Resources & references

This podcast features influential and experienced music therapists from across Canada. During candid conversations with Adrienne and Cathy, the guests share stories of resilience and impact as they reveal information about their own journeys as music therapists. 

The Discovering Relationship Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes & Thoughts (DRUMBEAT) program used drumming as a way of engaging at risk youth in a form of musical expression, while simultaneously incorporating themes and discussions relating to healthy relationships with others. The results support the underlying program theory, that combining the therapeutic potential of musical expression with basic cognitive–behavioural therapy can be used successfully to deliver a range of social learning outcomes, including emotional control, improved relationships and increased self-esteem.

The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast celebrated two years of episodes in February 2023. Hosted by music therapist Adrienne Pringle and business leader Cathy Thompson, the bi-weekly podcast shines a bright light on the impact and work of music therapists across Canada. This reflective article features Adrienne’s and Cathy’s personal explorations of themes and ideas that emerged from a close examination of the podcast transcripts from the first 40 interview-based episodes. 

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the program DRUMBEAT (Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes and Thoughts), a ten-week school-based intervention. Linear mixed model analyses showed there were significant improvements in students’ self-esteem, and internalising and externalising behaviours, as reported by students and teachers. Drumming has the potential to draw young people into an educative environment where rhythm, collaboration and discussion can enhance understanding of intra- and interpersonal processes.