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
Clients
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81 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.

Between Music and Medicine
2012
Type of reference
General information
Author
Robert Gupta
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks

When Robert Gupta was caught between a career as a doctor and a violinist, he realized his place was in the middle, with a bow in his hand and a sense of social justice in his heart. He tells a moving story of society's marginalized and the power of music therapy, which can succeed where conventional medicine fails. .

Burn patient finds healing in music therapy - article
2018
Type of reference
General information
Author
Alicia Rohan
Language
English
Source / Publisher
University of Alabama (UAB) - News

Emotional and physical healing can come from a single song that masks the pain, according to a burn a patient at the Birmingham Hospital (Alabama, USA). They never knew the power that music would play in healing during such a traumatic time of their life.

Burn patient finds healing in music therapy (video)
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Emotional and physical healing can come from a simple song that masks the pain, according to Markeyla Williams, 22, a patient at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. Williams never knew the power that music would play in healing during such a traumatic time of her life. You can also read the complete article (see other reference with same title).

Comfort, connection and music: Experiences of music therapy and inter-active listening on a palliative care unit
2017
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
SarahRose Black, Gary Rodin, Camilla Zimmermann
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Music and Medicine

This qualitative study explores the lived experience of inter-active listening (IAL), an individualized music therapy experience in which the therapist plays music or sings while the patient engages through listening. The study found that a receptive music therapy referred to as IAL was associated, in cancer patients in an acute palliative care unit, with increased emotional and spiritual well-being and a greater sense of connection to self and others.

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 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.

Descubre la magia de la MUSICOTERAPIA en Hospitales | Humanización de los Servicios de Salud
2022
Type of reference
General information
Author
Albert Cervera
Language
Spanish
Subtitle
Spanish
Source / Publisher
Simbiotia

This video (in Spanish), includes interviews with Antoni Aceves and Joel Olivé from Spain and Rolando Benenzon from Argentina. Each of them is highly experienced music therapists and provide a definition of music therapy, explain its potential applications, and describe its therapeutic benefits.

Effect of music therapy on chemotherapy anticipatory symptoms in adolescents: a mixed methods study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Filippo Giordano, Chiara Rutigliano, Caterina Ugolini, Angarano Rosa, Nicola Santoro Ines Testoni
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

This study explores the feasibility and effects of music therapy on anticipatory nausea and vomiting, stress, pain and quality of life in adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. A significant reduction in anxiety, nausea and vomiting, both pre-post single sessions and between different sessions, was observed. Results support the feasibility of introducing music therapy with adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. Perceived stress and psychological/physical wellbeing were improved in participants.

Effect of Music Therapy on Chemotherapy Anticipatory Symptoms in Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Filippo Giordano, Chiara Rutigliano, Caterina Ugolini, Angarano Rosa, et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

This study is about music therapy with adolescents undergoing chemotherapy.  A significant reduction in anxiety, nausea and vomiting was observed. Furthermore, perceived stress and psychological/physical wellbeing were improved in participants. 

Exit music: The experience of music therapy within medical assistance in dying
2020
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
SarahRose Black, Gary Rodin, Lee Bartel
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Healthcare 8(3)

Since the 2015 Canadian legalization of medical assistance in dying (MAiD), many Canadian music therapists have become involved in the care of those requesting this procedure. This qualitative study, the first of its kind, examines the experience of music therapy within MAiD, exploring lived experience from three perspectives: the patient, their primary caregiver, and the music therapist/researcher.

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.