music therapy

noun

: therapy based on engagement in musical activities : the therapeutic use of music (as to reduce anxiety, improve cognitive functioning, promote physical rehabilitation, or enhance interpersonal communication) that typically involves listening to music, singing, playing musical instruments, or composing music

In 1992, the National Institutes of Health created an Office of Alternative Medicine … to evaluate therapies ranging from homeopathy and music therapy to acupuncture.

—Corinna Wu

music therapist noun

plural music therapists

Music therapists have found that post-operative patients who listen to soothing music require less pain medication.

—Dave Tianen

Examples of music therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Studying how music therapy for extremely premature babies can boost their health outcomes. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2025

Some individuals also find that journaling, music therapy, aromatherapy, or engaging in creative outlets like painting or crafting can provide emotional support and improve overall quality of life while coping with the challenges of metastatic breast cancer. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025

Valparaiso University music therapy students will lead activities with members of the neurodivergent, autistic, and disabled communities in Northwest Indiana. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025

Music programs must fall under one of four categories: in-school music classes in which the students make music, after-school music programs not run by schools, music programs that offer instruction to the local community, and music therapy programs in which participants make music. —Alexandra Marquez, NBC News, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

music therapy

noun

mu·​sic therapy ˈmyü-zik- 

: therapy based on engagement in musical activities : the therapeutic use of music (as to reduce anxiety, improve cognitive functioning, promote physical rehabilitation, or enhance interpersonal communication) that typically involves listening to music, singing, playing musical instruments, or composing music

music therapist noun