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
The center will offer educational programs, social services and financial aid and host nonprofits including Community Counseling Centers of Southern Nevada, which will provide mental health support through counseling and music therapy.
—Leena Tailor, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Other popular activities included volunteering at wildlife and conservation sanctuaries, beach and park cleanups, tree planting, therapeutic horse riding and music therapy for children and seniors.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
Stress relief: Consider deep breathing, yoga, or music therapy.
—Khadeja Haye, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025
Studying how music therapy for extremely premature babies can boost their health outcomes.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2025
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Leena Tailor, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Other popular activities included volunteering at wildlife and conservation sanctuaries, beach and park cleanups, tree planting, therapeutic horse riding and music therapy for children and seniors.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
Stress relief: Consider deep breathing, yoga, or music therapy.
—Khadeja Haye, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025
Studying how music therapy for extremely premature babies can boost their health outcomes.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 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 7 May. 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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