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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25 results
A Community-Based Music Therapy Support Group for People With Alzheimer's Disease and Their Caregivers: A Sustainable Partnership Model
2018
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Robin Rio
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Medicine

This article explains how a music therapy support group was created to relieve some of the strain on caregivers by allowing for greater emotional support through relationships with peers and professionals, and through the increase of meaningful interactions with their loved ones with dementia. The community-based MT support group has been replicated twice within the region, and is a promising model for other communities. 

Expériences de musicothérapeutes travaillant à court terme avec des groupes d’adolescents en santé mentale
2021
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Erika Guittard
Language
French
Source / Publisher
Canadian Journal of Music Therapy

This phenomenological study aims to document the practice of music therapy in adolescent mental health, and more specifically the brief therapy sessions carried out with groups of adolescents. Through semi-structured interviews, three Canadian music therapists, working primarily in mental health with adolescents, share their professional experience. Three main themes emerged: (a) the main goals addressed in this type of context, (b) the program structures generally established, and (c) the professional skills required.

La Experiencia Musical
2023
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Canal Revista Medicina y Cultura DEP

This video (in Spanish) includes an interview with Daniel Torres who is a music therapist and professor in Mexico. He describes how music stimulates the brain and the implications it has on human development and rehabilitation. He also explains how music therapy incorporates these neurobiological principles and brings therapeutic benefits to individuals of various ages and needs.

Exploring music for students who are blind
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Perkins School for the Blind

This report tells how music therapists help the various needs of students in a school for the blind. Different music therapy interventions are described, and music therapists explain how they address goals based on their students' Individual education plan. 

Historia de la Musicoterapia
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Divulgación Dinámica Formación

This video (in Spanish) explains how music has been used therapeutically throughout history. It describes how music was used in ancient civilizations, the Middle Ages, the renaissance, the baroque period, and the modern age, when music therapy was established as a profession.

“It’s Like we Have Our Own Rhythm”. Music Therapeutic Affect Regulation in a Case Study of a Traumatized Patient in Mental Health Treatment
2023
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Oda Dypvik Bjørke, Bolette Daniels Beck
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Voices

This research article presents a case study of an adult man with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who participated in music therapy sessions. The results determined that music improvisation improved affect regulation, exploration of trauma-related issues, and self-agency.

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, 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 in End-of-Life Care Contexts
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Amy Clements-Cortés, Sara Klinck
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Scolarly Community Encyclopedia

This brief entry is a summary of a peer-reviewed article. It explains succinctly what is music therapy in palliative care. 

Music therapy for students who are both deaf and blind truly works, teacher says
2016
Type of reference
General information
Author
KSL news, Utah, USA
Language
English

Music therapy allows children with visual impairment to reach their goals and develop their motor, cognitive and communications skills. Children who are part of the group explain why they enjoy music therapy. 

Music Therapy Program at SickKids
2017
Type of reference
General information
Author
Sick Kids Interactive
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Sick Kids Interactive

This video shows work by music therapist Carolyn Williams with children at Sick Kids Medical Hospital, in Toronto. Parents talk about the impact that music therapy has had on the development and the recovery of their child, while the music therapist comments on the actions and reactions of the children in the video. 

Music Therapy at The End of Life (2nd edition)
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Cheryl Dileo & Mariagrazia Baroni (Eds.)
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Jeffrey Books

This book has been designed as a textbook on music therapy for pediatric and adult patients receiving hospice care; it is divided into 4 parts. Part I is designed to provide foundational information on hospice and hospice music therapy. Part 2 includes descriptions of theory, assessment, roles of the therapist, and developmental issues in practice. Part 3 is focused on educational and professional issues. Part 4 is focused on advancing hospice music therapy.