MUSIC THERAPY RESEARCH

Overview of Music Therapy Research

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individual goals by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy training program.  Learn more about Music Therapy on the American Music Therapy Association website.  

Research shows benefits of Music Therapy for multiple populations including children with Autism and elders with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Through peer-reviewed journals inside the profession such as the Journal of Music Therapy and extensive articles in journals outside the profession, below is an overview of some of the research findings.

Research Highlights of Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Music Therapy can positively affect social skills and opportunities, self-determination, and self-expression for youth with Autism, as researched in the below articles.

Druks, M., & Roginsky, E. (2016). Community music therapy with families of special needs children. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 25, 20–21. https://0-doi.org.pacificatclassic.pacific.edu/10.1080/08098131.2016.1179901

Gadberry, A. L., & Harrison, A. (2016). My life, my choices: autism spectrum disorder, self-determination & music therapy. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 25, 24–25. https://0-doi.org.pacificatclassic.pacific.edu/10.1080/08098131.2016.1179908

Gold, C., & Bieleninik, Ł. (2016). Short-term effects of improvisational music therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder: findings from the TIME-A randomised trial. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 25, 28. https://0-doi.org.pacificatclassic.pacific.edu/10.1080/08098131.2016.1179914

Researchers Gold and Bieleninik (2016) found Music Therapy to be effective in addressing social and communication skills in children with Autism when implemented 1 to 3 times a week (depending on the desired intensity) for 30 minute sessions each time. Results showed that the therapeutic relationship as well as the manner that the children were invited to engage in music were important predictors of the development of these skills.

Music therapy interventions based on family-centered practice may increase social engagement in the home environment and community (Thompson, McFerran, & Gold, 2013). 

Music therapy services for young children with ASD are very effective (overall effect size of d = 0.76; p < 0.0001) for improving communication, interpersonal skills, personal responsibility, and play (Whipple, 2012).

Music therapy interventions may assist individuals with ASD to identify and appropriately express their emotions (Katagiri, 2009).

Music therapy interventions may impact joint attention, memory, and visual recall of individuals with ASD (Kalas, 2012).

Music therapy interventions may enhance auditory processing and other sensory/motor, perceptual/motor, or gross/fine motor skills in individuals with ASD (LaGasse & Hardy, 2013).

Music therapy interventions using musically adapted social stories may modify target behavior and teach new skills (Brownell, 2002).

View references and more information at: Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder Factsheet

Research Highlights of Music Therapy with persons with Alzheimer's

Music is effective in decreasing the frequency of agitated and aggressive behaviors for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias.

Music therapy interventions have been shown to reduces depression among older adults. 

Music experiences can be structured to enhance social/emotional skills, to assist in recall and language skills and to decrease problem behaviors. 

Music tasks can be used to assess cognitive ability in people with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Individuals in the late stages of dementia respond to and interact with music.

View references and more information here: Music Therapy and Alzheimer’s Disease Factsheet

Overview of Music Strategies to engage people with dementia including Alzheimer's

Download this overview of Music Strategies to engage people with dementia.