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

The Prebys Foundation gave a $125,000 grant to San Diego nonprofit Resounding Joy to provide music therapy to homebound older adults fighting critical illnesses who are receiving meals from local nonprofit Mama’s Kitchen. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

Leading the music therapy students is Jordy Novak, director of Music Therapy at Valparaiso University. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026

Arizona’s Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, does not generally list music therapy as a standalone reimbursable service yet. —Reylee Billingsley, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026

There is a solid chance that the AI might not be proficient at performing music therapy. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

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