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
Guests can meditate in a white quartz circle, enjoy the spa’s extensive treatments, and try music therapy or tarot.
—Emma Fritz, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
Join the event which will highlight Banding Together whose mission is to bring music opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities through the use of group music therapy and mentoring.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2025
The partnership will involve raising awareness and funds to expand music therapy delivery across the U.K., as well as promoting Nordoff and Robbins’ research into how their work can support recovery.
—Sophie Williams, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2025
This is not music therapy, Addy stresses.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for music therapy
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Emma Fritz, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
Join the event which will highlight Banding Together whose mission is to bring music opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities through the use of group music therapy and mentoring.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2025
The partnership will involve raising awareness and funds to expand music therapy delivery across the U.K., as well as promoting Nordoff and Robbins’ research into how their work can support recovery.
—Sophie Williams, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2025
This is not music therapy, Addy stresses.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 Nov. 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 3 Dec. 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
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