Music therapy is growing internationally to be one of the leading evidence-based psychosocial allied health professions to meet needs across the lifespan.The Oxford Handbook of Music Therapy is the most comprehensive text on this topic in its history. It presents exhaustive coverage of the topic from international leaders in the field.

This book provides valuable insight into the work of professional music therapists in their clinical practice. The contributors discuss work with a diverse range of clients, including those suffering from Alzheimer's, anorexia nervosa, schizophrenia, psychosis, personality disorder, anxiety and psychosomatic disorder.

Music therapy is an established health care and human services profession that is dedicated to the implementation of controlled research studies to determine the underlying mechanisms in music that are responsible for therapeutic change, as well as clinical research to direct and guide the work of the music therapist. This growing body of research has enabled the music therapy profession to establish itself as a viable treatment modality for children in many areas, such as neurological rehabilitation and the use of music with premature infants. This book, a result of a project sponsored by the American Music Therapy Association and the National Academy for Recording Arts & Sciences, highlights research and evidence-based practice methods that are being used in neonatal intensive care units, pediatric burn care, critical care and mechanical ventilation, neurological rehabilitation, chronic illness, procedural support, and surgical support.

Amy Robertson has taken her experience of starting a music therapy program from scratch at the largest admitting hospital in America and provided step-by-step instructions on how others can do the same.

This book grew out of the need to provide developmental services for premature infants after going home from the hospital. While many parent-infant music groups are available to promote bonding and development, the need to create and inclusion-based, comprehensive developmental program for children at risk for developmental delays became evident. The curriculum is structured to identify specific developmental skills that can be demonstrated, practiced, and mastered through music engagement. Although this program is rooted in the profession of music therapy, the resources in this curriculum can be implemented by early childhood educators or staff working in child care facilities, community groups, or hospitals.

Music Therapy and Parent Infant Bonding is the first title in the field of music therapy to explore the contribution that music therapy can make in the very early years, for instance in situations regarding adopted children, or in ameliorating the effects of maternal depression on the parent-infant relationship.