Children, young people and families

'Music therapy can provide support for emotional, social and neurological development during the crucial years of formation in childhood and adolescence. Musical interaction in therapy can serve as a framework for learning language and social and emotional skills in early years. This creates opportunities for experiencing reciprocal interaction and encouraging the development of healthy relationships. Additionally, the role of music in identity formation for young people also creates pathways for using music to supporting mental health and wellbeing at this stage of personal development.

Previous research has particularly demonstrated the efficacy of music therapy in supporting children experiencing neurodisability. By working alongside families, practitioners and academics, we aim to explore music therapy practice and expand the evidence base in this area.

Early intervention with music therapy

At CIMTR, we work alongside practitioners and academics to explore how specific approaches, such as improvisational music therapy, affect growth and development of young children with ASD – advancing further understanding of the clinical application of music therapy in this area.

Recent research and publications

• Bieleninik, Lucja and Geretsegger, Monika and Mössler, Karin and Assmus, Jörg and Thompson, Grace and Gattino, Gustavo and Elefant, Cochavit and Gottfried, Tali and Igliozzi, Roberta and Muratori, Filippo and Suvini, Ferdinando and Kim, Jinah and Crawford, Mike J. and Odell-Miller, Helen and Oldfield, Amelia and Casey, Órla and Finnemann, Johanna and Carpente, John and Park, A-La and Grossi, Enzo and Gold, Christian (2017) Effects of Improvisational Music Therapy vs Enhanced Standard Care on Symptom Severity Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. JAMA, 318 (6). p. 525. ISSN 0098-7484
• Tomlinson, J. and Derrington, P. and Oldfield, Amelia (2012) Music therapy in schools: working with children of all ages in mainstream and special education. UNSPECIFIED. ISBN 9780857004741
• Oldfield, Amelia (2011) Exploring issues of control through interactive, improvised music making: music therapy diagnostic assessment and short-term treatment with a mother and daughter in a psychiatric unit.
• Oldfield, Amelia (2011) Parents' perception of being in music therapy with their children: what is our role as music therapists with parents?