80 Music Therapy Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best music therapy topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 good research topics about music therapy, 🔍 interesting topics to write about music therapy, ❓ music therapy research questions.

  • Music Therapy as a Social Work Intervention One of such interventions is music therapy which is aimed at helping people in a sensitive way accurately adjusting the possibilities this therapy may offer to the requirements of a particular client of a group […]
  • Music Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients’ Quality of Life Consequently, the purpose of the project will be to review the existing literature and prepare a document with recommendations regarding MT in the discussed population, including psychiatric nurses’ acceptable role in delivering such interventions.
  • Art and Music Therapy Coverage by Health Insurance However, I do believe that creative sessions should be available for all patients, and I am going to prove to you that music and art are highly beneficial for human health.
  • Music Therapy in Healthcare Therefore, the article suggests that music can be used for relaxation, as well as managing the health issues that may arise due to the lack of relaxation.
  • Music Therapy for Children With Learning Disabilities This review includes the evidence supporting music therapy as an effective strategy for promoting auditory, communication, and socio-emotional progression in children with ASD.
  • Music Therapy as a Related Service for Students With Disabilities From a neuroscientific perspective, how would music intervention improve classroom behaviors and academic outcomes of students with ADHD as a way to inform policy-makers of the importance of music therapy as a related service?
  • Substance Use Disorder: Possibility of Using Music Therapy In their study, Bourdaghs and Silverman address the possibility of using music therapy as the tool for promoting the socialization of people with a substance use disorder.
  • Music Therapy: The Impact on Older Adults There is therefore the need to focus more energy to aid more understating on the role of music therapy on older residents.”The recent qualitative review of literature in the area of music and music therapy […]
  • Music Therapy: Alternative to Traditional Pain Medicine The sources underline that therapists should pay attention to the subjects of music and their impact on the health of clients.
  • The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment Music therapy is the use of music interventions to achieve individualized goals of healing the body, mind, and spirit. Thereafter, several developments occurred in the field of music therapy, and the ringleaders founded the American […]
  • Music Therapy Effectiveness In addition to this, research has shown that stroke patients become more involved in therapy sessions once music is incorporated in the treatment program; this is the motivational aspect of music.
  • Sound as an Element of Music Therapy This is one of the reasons why in the Abrams study the participants explained that they preferred the sound of rain, ocean waves and the soft strumming of a guitar as compared to the work […]
  • Music Therapy Throughout the Soloist Globally, classical music in its sense has always been known to adjoin the listener to some transcendent understanding of the world order, the feeling of integrity with the Universe and enormous delight rising up from […]
  • Music Therapy: Where Words Cease In spite of the fact that, as a rule, one indulges into art to find the shelter from the reality, the author of the book called The Soloist explores quite a different issue of the […]
  • Active Music Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
  • Effectiveness of Music Therapy for Survivors of Abuse
  • Music Therapy Effectiveness of Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • The Link Between Ancestral Hormones and Music Therapy
  • Analysis of the Effectiveness of Art and Music Therapy
  • Music Therapy Usefulness for Cancer Patients
  • Music Therapy Impact on Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
  • How Music Therapy Can Be Used to Reduce Pre-Operative Anxiety
  • Healing Chronic Pain With Music Therapy
  • Music Therapy Effect on the Wellness and Mood of Adolescents
  • Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Music Therapy
  • Constructing Optimal Experience for the Hospitalized Newborn Through Neuro-Based Music Therapy
  • Music Therapy: Considerations for the Clinical Environment
  • “Dementia and the Power of Music Therapy” by Steve Matthews Analysis
  • Music Therapy for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Discussing Music Therapy Reducing Stress Health and Social Care
  • Does Music Therapy Help Children With Special Needs?
  • Music Therapy for Delinquency Involved Juveniles Through Tripartite Collaboration
  • Heidelberg Neuro-Music Therapy Enhances Task-Negative Activity in Tinnitus Patients
  • Music Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • How Does Music Therapy Promote Positive Mental Health?
  • Music Therapy and Its Positive Effects on the Brain
  • The Relationships Between Learning and Music Therapy
  • Music Therapy for Sexually Abused Children
  • Managing Sickle Cell Pain With Music Therapy
  • Music Therapy: How Does Music Impact Our Emotions
  • Dealing With Depression With the Help of Music Therapy
  • Effectiveness of Music Therapy and Drug Therapy for Children With Autism
  • Music Therapy and Its Effect on the Levels of Anxiety
  • The Link Between Music Therapy and Personality Theory Psychology
  • How Music Therapy Improves Depression Among Older Adults
  • Music Therapy: The Best Way to Help Children With Mental Illness
  • Interventions of Music Therapy for Stress Reduction
  • The Real Science Behind the Theory of Music Therapy
  • Music Therapy Should Not Be Considered a Therapy
  • Neurologic Music Therapy Training for Mobility and Stability Rehabilitation
  • Nursing Theory for Music Therapy Quality Improvement Program
  • The Help of Music Therapy in Pain Management
  • Relationship Between Hypertension and Music Therapy
  • Yoga and Music Therapy as Effective Methods of Stress Management
  • What Is Music Therapy Used For?
  • What Are Some Examples of Music Therapy?
  • What Kind of Music Is Used in Music Therapy?
  • What Are the Side Effects of Music Therapy?
  • What Mental Illnesses Does Music Therapy Help?
  • Can Music Therapy Help With Anxiety?
  • What Type of Music Therapy Helps Depression?
  • Does Music Therapy Actually Work?
  • Do Psychiatrists Use Music Therapy?
  • Do Doctors Recommend Music Therapy?
  • How Long Does Music Therapy Last?
  • Why Is Music Therapy Not Used?
  • What Is a Typical Music Therapy Session Like?
  • What Are the Two Main Benefits of Music Therapy?
  • How Can Music Therapy Be Done at Home?
  • What Does Music Therapy Do to the Brain?
  • Is Music Therapy Good for Stress?
  • Can Music Therapy Help With Trauma?
  • What Ages Benefit From Music Therapy?
  • What Is the First Step of Music Therapy?
  • Does Music Therapy Include Talking?
  • What Instruments Are Used for Music Therapy?
  • What Is the Difference Between Sound Therapy and Music Therapy?
  • Can You Do Music Therapy Without a Degree?
  • Why Is Music Therapy Better Than Medicine?
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118 Music Therapy Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Music therapy is a powerful tool that can be used to help individuals of all ages and backgrounds improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Whether it's through listening to music, playing an instrument, or engaging in creative musical activities, music therapy has been shown to have a wide range of benefits.

If you're studying music therapy or simply interested in learning more about the field, you may be looking for essay topics to explore. To help get you started, we've compiled a list of 118 music therapy essay topic ideas and examples that cover a variety of themes and concepts within the field.

  • The history and development of music therapy as a profession
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
  • The role of music therapy in treating depression and anxiety
  • Music therapy interventions for children with developmental disabilities
  • The impact of music therapy on patients undergoing cancer treatment
  • Using music therapy to improve cognitive function in older adults
  • The use of music therapy in palliative care settings
  • Music therapy techniques for managing chronic pain
  • The therapeutic effects of group music making
  • The role of music therapy in supporting mental health recovery
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with PTSD
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with Alzheimer's disease
  • The use of music therapy in substance abuse treatment
  • Music therapy techniques for managing stress and promoting relaxation
  • The role of music therapy in supporting emotional expression and communication
  • The impact of music therapy on improving social skills in children with autism
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with traumatic brain injuries
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with ADHD
  • The use of music therapy in promoting self-esteem and confidence
  • Music therapy techniques for improving motor skills in individuals with physical disabilities
  • The role of music therapy in supporting speech and language development
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with eating disorders
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with schizophrenia
  • The use of music therapy in helping individuals cope with grief and loss
  • Music therapy techniques for improving memory and cognitive function
  • The role of music therapy in supporting emotional regulation in children
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with sleep disorders
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with chronic illnesses
  • The use of music therapy in promoting mindfulness and meditation
  • Music therapy techniques for improving social interaction and communication skills
  • The role of music therapy in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with postpartum depression
  • The use of music therapy in promoting emotional expression and creativity
  • Music therapy techniques for managing anger and aggression
  • The role of music therapy in supporting individuals with sensory processing disorders
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with communication disorders
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with PTSD
  • The use of music therapy in supporting individuals with self-harm behaviors
  • Music therapy techniques for improving social skills and peer relationships
  • The role of music therapy in supporting individuals with anxiety disorders
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with bipolar disorder
  • The use of music therapy in promoting emotional regulation and self-awareness
  • Music therapy techniques for managing symptoms of ADHD
  • The role of music therapy in supporting individuals with personality disorders
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with substance abuse disorders
  • The use of music therapy in promoting emotional expression and communication
  • Music therapy techniques for improving impulse control and self-regulation
  • The role of music therapy in supporting individuals with self-esteem and confidence
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with social anxiety
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with communication disorders
  • Music therapy techniques for improving motor skills and coordination
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities
  • The benefits of music therapy for individuals with traumatic brain injuries
  • Music therapy techniques for managing symptoms of PTSD
  • The role of music therapy in supporting individuals with depression
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with anxiety disorders
  • The role of music therapy in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder
  • Music therapy interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities
  • Music therapy techniques for managing symptoms of schizophrenia

These essay topics and examples cover a wide range of themes within the field of music therapy, providing you with plenty of inspiration for your own research and writing. Whether you're interested in exploring the therapeutic benefits of music for individuals with specific conditions or want to delve into the history and development of the profession, there's something for everyone on this list. So pick a topic that interests you, start researching, and get writing!

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Essays on Music Therapy

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An Introduction to Music Therapy Research

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Bryan C Hunter, An Introduction to Music Therapy Research, Journal of Music Therapy , Volume 57, Issue 1, Spring 2020, Pages 123–125, https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thz016

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From its outset as a profession, music therapists have embraced the importance of research in the development of theory and clinical practice. The first and only committee formed by the nascent National Association for Music Therapy in June 1950 was a research committee chaired by the Rev. Arthur Flagler Fultz ( Boxberger, 1963 ). His namesake is borne by the current American Music Therapy Association Fultz research grant award.

Given the foundational interest in research, it is somewhat surprising that it took the profession 45 years to publish its own research text for music therapy researchers and educators teaching research, who had been relying on research books from related disciplines. In 1995, editor Barbara Wheeler and publisher Kenneth Bruscia filled the longstanding vacuum with Music Therapy Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Perspectives ( Wheeler, 1995 ). In 2005, Wheeler revised the work as Music Therapy Research (2nd ed.; Wheeler, 2005 ). She was joined by associate editor Kathleen Murphy in the most recent 2016 revision Music Therapy Research (3rd ed.; see review by Rickson, 2017 ).

An Introduction to Music Therapy Research (3rd ed.; Wheeler & Murphy, 2016 ) is a substantively abridged version of Music Therapy Research (3rd ed.; MTR3), 253 pages versus 758 pages. Seventeen chapters, along with the glossary (a most helpful addition), were taken directly from MTR3. The chapters were well chosen for this version. Introductory topics include overview and history of music therapy research, developing a research topic and related literature review, ethical thinking and multicultural considerations, and theoretical foundations of objectivist and interpretivist research. Methodological topics include principles of objectivist and interpretivist research, measurement and statistics, data collection, potential problems, evaluation of objectivist and interpretivist research, and disseminating objectivist and interpretivist research.

Three chapters by Bruscia provide overviews of objectivist and interpretivist research designs and other types of research. The content in these three chapters is summarized from numerous chapters in MTR3.

The preface of the book clearly states that it is intended for those beginning their study of music therapy research. I have found that to be an accurate portrayal, having used the text twice in a senior undergraduate introduction to music therapy course (2 semester credits). The students found it accessible and meaningful regarding both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Also, given that the content is derived from MTR3, I found myself in agreement with Rickson’s (2017) review.

In sum, An Introduction to Music Therapy Research (3rd ed.; Wheeler & Murphy, 2016 ) takes it rightful place along with the three other texts shepherded by Wheeler. These volumes are of great importance in the history of music therapy research. I remember the days of teaching music therapy research without these resources—I’m glad they are over!

Boxberger , R . ( 1963 ). A historical study of the National Association for Music Therapy (doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses . (Order No. 6406814).

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Rickson , D . ( 2017 ). Review of the book Music therapy research (3rd ed.) by B. Wheeler & K. Murphy . Journal of Music Therapy , 54 ( 2 ), 251 – 254 .

Wheeler , B. L. (Ed.). ( 1995 ). Music therapy research: Quantitative and qualitative perspectives . Gilsum, NH : Barcelona .

Wheeler , B. L. (Ed.). ( 2005 ). Music therapy research (2nd ed.). Gilsum, NH : Barcelona .

Wheeler , B. L. , & Murphy , K. M. (Eds.). ( 2016 ). Music therapy research (3rd ed.). Dallas, TX : Barcelona .

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Music Therapy — The potential of music therapy

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The Potential of Music Therapy

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What to Know About Music Therapy

Music can help improve your mood and overall mental health.

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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Effectiveness

Things to consider, how to get started.

Music therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses the naturally mood-lifting properties of music to help people improve their mental health and overall well-being.  It’s a goal-oriented intervention that may involve:

  • Making music
  • Writing songs
  • Listening to music
  • Discussing music  

This form of treatment may be helpful for people with depression and anxiety, and it may help improve the quality of life for people with physical health problems. Anyone can engage in music therapy; you don’t need a background in music to experience its beneficial effects.

Types of Music Therapy

Music therapy can be an active process, where clients play a role in creating music, or a passive one that involves listening or responding to music. Some therapists may use a combined approach that involves both active and passive interactions with music.

There are a variety of approaches established in music therapy, including:

  • Analytical music therapy : Analytical music therapy encourages you to use an improvised, musical "dialogue" through singing or playing an instrument to express your unconscious thoughts, which you can reflect on and discuss with your therapist afterward.
  • Benenzon music therapy : This format combines some concepts of psychoanalysis with the process of making music. Benenzon music therapy includes the search for your "musical sound identity," which describes the external sounds that most closely match your internal psychological state.
  • Cognitive behavioral music therapy (CBMT) : This approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with music. In CBMT, music is used to reinforce some behaviors and modify others. This approach is structured, not improvisational, and may include listening to music, dancing, singing, or playing an instrument.
  • Community music therapy : This format is focused on using music as a way to facilitate change on the community level. It’s done in a group setting and requires a high level of engagement from each member.
  • Nordoff-Robbins music therapy : Also called creative music therapy, this method involves playing an instrument (often a cymbal or drum) while the therapist accompanies using another instrument. The improvisational process uses music as a way to help enable self-expression.
  • The Bonny method of guided imagery and music (GIM) : This form of therapy uses classical music as a way to stimulate the imagination. In this method, you explain the feelings, sensations, memories, and imagery you experience while listening to the music.
  • Vocal psychotherapy : In this format, you use various vocal exercises, natural sounds, and breathing techniques to connect with your emotions and impulses. This practice is meant to create a deeper sense of connection with yourself.

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Music Therapy vs. Sound Therapy

Music therapy and sound therapy (or sound healing ) are distinctive, and each approach has its own goals, protocols, tools, and settings: 

  • Music therapy is a relatively new discipline, while sound therapy is based on ancient Tibetan cultural practices .
  • Sound therapy uses tools to achieve specific sound frequencies, while music therapy focuses on addressing symptoms like stress and pain.  
  • The training and certifications that exist for sound therapy are not as standardized as those for music therapists.
  • Music therapists often work in hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, or private practices, while sound therapists may offer their service as a component of complementary or alternative medicine.

When you begin working with a music therapist, you will start by identifying your goals. For example, if you’re experiencing depression, you may hope to use music to naturally improve your mood and increase your happiness . You may also want to try applying music therapy to other symptoms of depression like anxiety, insomnia, or trouble focusing.

During a music therapy session, you may listen to different genres of music , play a musical instrument, or even compose your own songs. You may be asked to sing or dance. Your therapist may encourage you to improvise, or they may have a set structure for you to follow.

You may be asked to tune in to your emotions as you perform these tasks or to allow your feelings to direct your actions. For example, if you are angry, you might play or sing loud, fast, and dissonant chords.

You may also use music to explore ways to change how you feel. If you express anger or stress, your music therapist might respond by having you listen to or create music with slow, soft, soothing tones.

Music therapy is often one-on-one, but you may also choose to participate in group sessions if they are available. Sessions with a music therapist take place wherever they practice, which might be a:

  • Community health center
  • Correctional facility
  • Private office
  • Physical therapy practice
  • Rehabilitation facility

Wherever it happens to be, the room you work in together will be a calm environment with no outside distractions.

What Music Therapy Can Help With

Music therapy may be helpful for people experiencing:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Anxiety or stress
  • Cardiac conditions
  • Chronic pain
  • Difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Feelings of low self-esteem
  • Impulsivity
  • Negative mood
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Problems related to childbirth
  • Rehabilitation after an injury or medical procedure
  • Respiration problems
  • Substance use disorders
  • Surgery-related issues
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Trouble with movement or coordination

Research also suggests that it can be helpful for people with:

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Stroke and neurological disorders

Music therapy is also often used to help children and adolescents:

  • Develop their identities
  • Improve their communication skills
  • Learn to regulate their emotions
  • Recover from trauma
  • Self-reflect

Benefits of Using Music as Therapy

Music therapy can be highly personalized, making it suitable for people of any age—even very young children can benefit. It’s also versatile and offers benefits for people with a variety of musical experience levels and with different mental or physical health challenges.

Engaging with music can:

  • Activate regions of the brain that influence things like memory, emotions, movement, sensory relay, some involuntary functions, decision-making, and reward
  • Fulfill social needs for older adults in group settings
  • Lower heart rate and blood pressure
  • Relax muscle tension
  • Release endorphins
  • Relieve stress and encourage feelings of calm
  • Strengthen motor skills and improve communication for children and young adults who have developmental and/or learning disabilities

Research has also shown that music can have a powerful effect on people with dementia and other memory-related disorders.

Overall, music therapy can increase positive feelings, like:

  • Confidence and empowerment
  • Emotional intimacy

The uses and benefits of music therapy have been researched for decades. Key findings from clinical studies have shown that music therapy may be helpful for people with depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, and even cancer.

Depression 

Studies have shown that music therapy can be an effective component of depression treatment. According to the research cited, the use of music therapy was most beneficial to people with depression when it was combined with the usual treatments (such as antidepressants and psychotherapy). 

When used in combination with other forms of treatment, music therapy may also help reduce obsessive thoughts , depression, and anxiety in people with OCD.

In 2016, researchers conducted a feasibility study that explored how music therapy could be combined with CBT to treat depression . While additional research is needed, the initial results were promising.

Many people find that music, or even white noise, helps them fall asleep. Research has shown that music therapy may be helpful for people with sleep disorders or insomnia as a symptom of depression.

Compared to pharmaceuticals and other commonly prescribed treatments for sleep disorders, music is less invasive, more affordable, and something a person can do on their own to self-manage their condition.

Pain Management

Music has been explored as a potential strategy for acute and chronic pain management in all age groups. Research has shown that listening to music when healing from surgery or an injury, for example, may help both kids and adults cope with physical pain.

Music therapy may help reduce pain associated with:

  • Chronic conditions : Music therapy can be part of a long-term plan for managing chronic pain, and it may help people recapture and focus on positive memories from a time before they had distressing long-term pain symptoms. 
  • Labor and childbirth : Music therapy-assisted childbirth appears to be a positive, accessible, non-pharmacological option for pain management and anxiety reduction for laboring people.
  • Surgery : When paired with standard post-operative hospital care, music therapy is an effective way to lower pain levels, anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure in people recovering from surgery.

Coping with a cancer diagnosis and going through cancer treatment is as much an emotional experience as a physical one. People with cancer often need different sources of support to take care of their emotional and spiritual well-being.

Music therapy has been shown to help reduce anxiety in people with cancer who are starting radiation treatments. It may also help them cope with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea.

Music therapy may also offer emotional benefits for people experiencing depression after receiving their cancer diagnosis, while they’re undergoing treatment, or even after remission.

On its own, music therapy may not constitute adequate treatment for medical conditions, including mental health disorders . However, when combined with medication, psychotherapy , and other interventions, it can be a valuable component of a treatment plan.

If you have difficulty hearing, wear a hearing aid, or have a hearing implant, you should talk with your audiologist before undergoing music therapy to ensure that it’s safe for you.

Similarly, music therapy that incorporates movement or dancing may not be a good fit if you’re experiencing pain, illness, injury, or a physical condition that makes it difficult to exercise.  

You'll also want to check your health insurance benefits prior to starting music therapy. Your sessions may be covered or reimbursable under your plan, but you may need a referral from your doctor.

If you’d like to explore music therapy, talk to your doctor or therapist. They can connect you with practitioners in your community. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) also maintains a database of board-certified, credentialed professionals that you can use to find a practicing music therapist in your area.

Depending on your goals, a typical music therapy session lasts between 30 and 50 minutes. Much like you would plan sessions with a psychotherapist, you may choose to have a set schedule for music therapy—say, once a week—or you may choose to work with a music therapist on a more casual "as-needed" basis.  

Before your first session, you may want to talk things over with your music therapist so you know what to expect and can check in with your primary care physician if needed.

Aigen KS. The Study of Music Therapy: Current Issues and Concepts . Routledge & CRC Press. New York; 2013. doi:10.4324/9781315882703

Jasemi M, Aazami S, Zabihi RE. The effects of music therapy on anxiety and depression of cancer patients . Indian J Palliat Care . 2016;22(4):455-458. doi:10.4103/0973-1075.191823

Chung J, Woods-Giscombe C. Influence of dosage and type of music therapy in symptom management and rehabilitation for individuals with schizophrenia . Issues Ment Health Nurs . 2016;37(9):631-641. doi:10.1080/01612840.2016.1181125

MacDonald R, Kreutz G, Mitchell L. Music, Health, and Wellbeing . Oxford; 2012. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199586974.001.0001

Monti E, Austin D. The dialogical self in vocal psychotherapy . Nord J Music Ther . 2018;27(2):158-169. doi:10.1080/08098131.2017.1329227

American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Music therapy with specific populations: Fact sheets, resources & bibliographies .

Wang CF, Sun YL, Zang HX. Music therapy improves sleep quality in acute and chronic sleep disorders: A meta-analysis of 10 randomized studies . Int J Nurs Stud . 2014;51(1):51-62. doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2013.03.008

Bidabadi SS, Mehryar A. Music therapy as an adjunct to standard treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder and co-morbid anxiety and depression: A randomized clinical trial . J Affect Disord . 2015;184:13-7. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.04.011

Kamioka H, Tsutani K, Yamada M, et al. Effectiveness of music therapy: A summary of systematic reviews based on randomized controlled trials of music interventions . Patient Prefer Adherence . 2014;8:727-754. doi:10.2147/PPA.S61340

Raglio A, Attardo L, Gontero G, Rollino S, Groppo E, Granieri E. Effects of music and music therapy on mood in neurological patients . World J Psychiatry . 2015;5(1):68-78. doi:10.5498/wjp.v5.i1.68

Altenmüller E, Schlaug G. Apollo’s gift: New aspects of neurologic music therapy . Prog Brain Res . 2015;217:237-252. doi:10.1016/bs.pbr.2014.11.029

Werner J, Wosch T, Gold C. Effectiveness of group music therapy versus recreational group singing for depressive symptoms of elderly nursing home residents: Pragmatic trial . Aging Ment Health . 2017;21(2):147-155. doi:10.1080/13607863.2015.1093599

Dunbar RIM, Kaskatis K, MacDonald I, Barra V. Performance of music elevates pain threshold and positive affect: Implications for the evolutionary function of music . Evol Psychol . 2012;10(4):147470491201000420. doi:10.1177/147470491201000403

Pavlicevic M, O'neil N, Powell H, Jones O, Sampathianaki E. Making music, making friends: Long-term music therapy with young adults with severe learning disabilities . J Intellect Disabil . 2014;18(1):5-19. doi:10.1177/1744629513511354

Chang YS, Chu H, Yang CY, et al. The efficacy of music therapy for people with dementia: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials . J Clin Nurs . 2015;24(23-24):3425-40. doi:10.1111/jocn.12976

Aalbers S, Fusar-Poli L, Freeman RE, et al. Music therapy for depression . Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2017;11:CD004517. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004517.pub3

Trimmer C, Tyo R, Naeem F. Cognitive behavioural therapy-based music (CBT-music) group for symptoms of anxiety and depression . Can J Commun Ment Health . 2016;35(2):83-87. doi:10.7870/cjcmh-2016-029

Jespersen KV, Koenig J, Jennum P, Vuust P. Music for insomnia in adults . Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2015;(8):CD010459. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010459.pub2

Redding J, Plaugher S, Cole J, et al. "Where's the Music?" Using music therapy for pain management . Fed Pract . 2016;33(12):46-49.

Novotney A. Music as medicine . Monitor on Psychology . 2013;44(10):46.

McCaffrey T, Cheung PS, Barry M, Punch P, Dore L. The role and outcomes of music listening for women in childbirth: An integrative review . Midwifery . 2020;83:102627. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2020.102627

Liu Y, Petrini MA. Effects of music therapy on pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients after thoracic surgery . Complement Ther Med . 2015;23(5):714-8.doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2015.08.002

Rossetti A, Chadha M, Torres BN, et al. The impact of music therapy on anxiety in cancer patients undergoing simulation for radiation therapy . Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys . 2017;99(1):103-110. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.05.003

American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Guidance for music listening programs .

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Music Therapy Essay Examples

Analysis of classical music's effect on humans.

To start with, this is classical music essay where will be discussed its effects on human's brain and emotions. Classical music's roots lies in Egypt. They used classical music to express their culture, society, art and their lifestyle. They created music called cheironomy. Also healing...

The Effect of Unsettling Music on Recall Memory

Memory recall is the process of retrieving information that has been previously encoded and stored in the brain. This process is essential for everyday activities, such as remembering people's names, directions, and important events in one's life. The main relation between music and memory we...

The Importance of a Music Video

In recent years, since the dwindling popularity of VH1, a Television Station that specified with music videos, and the increase of explicit images, music videos have become widely ignored and rejected as important influences to society. The music video to Childish Gambino’s song “This is...

Mastering the Secrets of Harmony 

Finally the day arrived. The first trimester of sixth grade had just started and I was on my way to school with smiles all over my face because a new subject had just been added to the curriculum-music. I had heard wonderful stories about music...

How Music Therapy Helps to Treat Autism

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” -Victor Hugo As a special educator, I get to work with some pretty spectacular students. I work with elementary-aged students, grades 2-5, who have a diagnosis of autism. My...

The Analysis of Articles on the Psychology of Music Written by Carl E. Seashore

Dr. Richard Puzzo Tone quality is an obscure term that is sometimes difficult to comprehend, yet it is something that musicians are encouraged to contort and master to give feeling to pieces of music. It is an aspect of music that is challenging to “see”...

Influence of Music on People's Health & Intellect

Music is everywhere. From radios in the morning, in buses, in shopping malls, grocery stores and even in the chirps of the birds, we are inundated with music. As said by the Chinese philosopher Confucius, "Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot...

The Notion of the Word "Music"

The word music is utilized in two detects. It might mean sounds so joined as to establish a charming connection on the brain, as when we say, The music played by the symphony at the show was fine. Or on the other hand it might...

Music – a Thing to Make Life Stop

Everyone needs something to make life stop. Just for a moment everyone needs a break from the everyday routine, worries of the future, or even thoughts from the past. For me, music is this thing. I can put on some headphones and forget even my...

Music Therapy for Dementia Patients

Long term care facilities such as nursing homes have undergone success with singalongs for senior residents. Task supervisors and nurses have been thrilled to come across some dementia patients answer the music. Therapists have found ways to use music tools and sing alongs as effective...

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