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

She was introduced to music therapy and instantly fell in love. —Erin Jones, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

For Stem, the preparation, which also included breath work and music therapy, provided a safe container for her journeys. —Natalia V. Osipova, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026

Before returning to work as a professor at UofL, Millett said much of his early experience practicing music therapy was spent in hospitals. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Mar. 2026

There was a music therapy program a couple of times a week. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 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