The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine is also engaging in a wide variety of music therapy research projects. Check our staff bibliography document to learn about completed and published research projects. As part of our mission, we conduct research in music and medicine to support evidence-based music therapy practices. Our current research projects include:  

Effect of Music Therapy on Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Started in September of 2017, our specialist level music therapy team leads our hospitals along with 13 other sites in a study investigating the effects of music therapy interventions for premature infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). This five-year study explores the use of live music therapy interventions with premature infants and their parents. To find out more or enroll, go to our NICU page.

Effects of Clinical Music Improvisation on Resiliency in Adults Undergoing Infusion Therapy

This study asks the question: what is the impact of clinical music therapy on resiliency of adults undergoing infusion therapy? Particularly, does clinical music therapy impact stress, anxiety, pain, and factors that lead to resilience? This study utilizes clinical improvisation, looking at clinical vocal improvisation and clinical instrumental improvisation compared to a control group.

The Effect of EMT on Anxiety Levels and Perception of Waiting Time in the Radiation Oncology Waiting Room

This is one of two studies our department is leading looking at the impact of Environmental Music Therapy (EMT). The research question asks: What is the effect of Environmental Music Therapy (EMT) on the anxiety level of people in the radiation oncology waiting room?

The Effects of Music Therapy for Adult Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation in the ICU

This study asks the question: Does music therapy, specifically entrainment and Song of Kin (SOK), have any effect on the comfort, pain perception, sedative requirements, length of time spent on ventilator, and length of time spent in the hospital for patients on mechanical ventilation the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)? This study is also being conducted at another hospital and is the first of its kind looking at patients on mechanical ventilation using live music.

Effects of Live Music on the Perception of Noise in the SICU: A Patient, Caregiver, and Physician/Nurse Environmental Study

This is the second of our two studies looking at the impact of EMT in the hospital. Specifically, this study aims to find the impact of EMT on perception of the sound environment in the Surgical/Medical ICU. This study involves patients, personal caregivers, and staff members on the unit. It is currently being multi-sited at another hospital.

The Impact of Group Singing on Patients With Stroke and Their Personal Caregivers

This is a two-fold study looking at the experience of people who have endured a stroke and their caregivers. Participants attend a weekly music therapy group focused on group singing. The study is looking at the effect of group singing on quality of life, language, and cortisol and melatonin levels of stroke survivors and the effect of group singing on quality of life for caregivers. To find out more or to enroll, contact Marie Grippo at marie.grippo@mountsinai.org.