Research
MUSIC AND MUSIC THERAPY IN HEALTH, RECOVERY AND LEARNING
Music Therapy in the Neurologic Inpatient Setting
Mercier, L. J., Langelier, D. M., Buchanan, J., Robinson, S., & Plamondon, S.(2024). Development and integration of a music therapy program in the neurologic inpatient setting: a qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1–10.
Music Therapy Impacts Dementia Care
Music therapy boosts cognitive function and reduces long-term depression in people with dementia, improving quality of life during treatment—though effects may fade after therapy ends.
The Value of Collaborative Research in MT
Research needs collaboration across fields, with music therapists, to better understand how music can relieve pain in healthcare.
Effects of Music Therapy on Depression
This meta-analysis of 55 RCTs found that specific methods, short-to-medium term therapy, and longer sessions in music therapy had stronger effects, guiding clinicians and policymakers in designing effective depression therapies.
Music Therapy for Stress Reduction
A 2022 review of 47 studies (2,747 participants) found music therapy had a medium-to-large positive effect on stress, due to tailored interventions used by music therapists.
The State of MT Over the Last Two Decades
Music therapy shows promising trends, offering insights for researchers on collaboration, key issues, and future directions, with potential to enhance quality of life.
The Effects of Music Intervention on Burn Patients
Music therapy and music interventions are linked to reduced pain, anxiety, and heart rate in burn patients.
The Effects of Music on Pain
A 2016 meta-analysis of 97 randomized trials with 9,184 participants found that music-based interventions may reduce pain intensity, emotional distress, and the need for pain-relief medications.
Music Interventions Improve Outcomes in Cancer Patients
A 2016 Cochrane review of 17 studies with 1,381 participants found that music-based interventions may significantly reduce anxiety and improve pain, fatigue, and quality of life in adults with cancer.
Music Listening for COPD
A 2021 review of 12 studies (812 participants) found music interventions improved shortness of breath, anxiety, and sleep in adults with COPD but not depression.
Music Therapy on the Frontlines
Music Therapy in Alberta Health Services
– South Health Campus – Acute Care
Music Therapists Promote Patients’ Well-Being
With the Help of the Calgary Health Foundation
Managers, Allied Health, Staff and Music Therapists
Sharing the Positive Impact on Patients
at Alberta Health Services
The Power of Music Therapy in Acute Care Hospitals
Requires the Power of Advocacy
with Dr. Stephanie Plamondon
The National Music Centre’s Music Therapy Initiative
is Bringing More Music Therapy Across Canada
with the Help of Local and National Donors!
Music Therapy at the Frontlines with
a 97-year old War Veteran at
Carewest Colonel Belcher.
Featured Book
Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of a Playlist
This book guides readers through a playlist-inspired journey, offering targeted exercises, stories and insights to harness the power of music throughout our week and personal growth.
“In this well written book, Jennifer Buchanan has explained to me the science and psychology of what I have done intuitively for the past 30-plus years: use music to reduce stress and regulate moods, to motivate movement and inspire peak performance, and yes to be a virtual time machine and evoke memories of days gone by. ”
– Daniel Martin
More Notes!
Maximizing Music Therapy Collaborations for Optimal Outcomes
"There is a significant amount of research showing that patient outcomes, quality of care, and cost of care delivery are all optimized when disciplines work together toward a shared goal that focuses on the patient." – Heidi Sanborn, RN, MSN, CCRN, Clinical Assistant...
The Health Benefits of Singing: A Tune for Body and Mind
From improving our emotions and communication skills to enhancing physical health and creating community, singing is a powerful practice that nourishes both mind and body and helps us to cope with life’s challenges.
Bridging the Gap: The Essential Need for Online Music Therapy
Over the last four years we have learned a lot about providing online music therapy—for individual and group sessions. It wasn't easy at the beginning. How do you share a predominantly active, audibly focused therapy online and still see the necessary impact? The...
How Music Therapists Are Working with Grief, Trauma, and Significant Loss
While our hearts yearn to embrace the world with unwavering optimism and peace, the stark realities we face make it challenging. People we deeply care about, along with countless others globally, grapple with the harrowing effects of trauma, wars, and profound...
Music Therapy & Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
In light of all of the above, it is evident that music has the power to calm the mind and relieve anxiety.
Meaningful Music and Engagement with ADHD
The diagnosis of children and adults with ADHD has increased significantly in the last decade. There are many theories as to why this increase has been so substantial. Historically, affected children were viewed as choosing to misbehave, as opposed to having true...