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
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
Dave Tianen
Examples of music therapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Scientists are gradually understanding more about how and when music therapy works.
—Eva Amsen, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Another strength is the film’s honest approach to a subject like music therapy.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
The school offers services in three main areas: arts (music, theatre, dance, visual and digital), private lessons in all areas; academics (tutoring in math, science, English, social studies year-round, and ACT Prep Camp); and music therapy.
—River Valley Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2024
Ward’s passion for music as a healing tool, draws on firsthand experiences—from watching autistic children light up during music therapy sessions to witnessing music soothe distressed hospital patients—Ward sees music not just as complementary care, but as essential.
—Kristin Westcott Grant, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for music therapy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Eva Amsen, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Another strength is the film’s honest approach to a subject like music therapy.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
The school offers services in three main areas: arts (music, theatre, dance, visual and digital), private lessons in all areas; academics (tutoring in math, science, English, social studies year-round, and ACT Prep Camp); and music therapy.
—River Valley Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2024
Ward’s passion for music as a healing tool, draws on firsthand experiences—from watching autistic children light up during music therapy sessions to witnessing music soothe distressed hospital patients—Ward sees music not just as complementary care, but as essential.
—Kristin Westcott Grant, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for music therapy
Cite this Entry
“Music therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/music%20therapy. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share