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

This is not music therapy, Addy stresses. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025

Owners can also try giving their pets calming aids, such as music therapy, or offering nutritional supplements to alleviate their anxieties. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Oct. 2025

The Sounds of Service program provides music therapy for active military personnel, veterans and first responders through partnerships with veterans organizations throughout San Diego. —Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025

For example, Elon already has a graduate law program in Charlotte, while Queens has a music therapy program, which Elon doesn’t currently offer. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for music therapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy

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