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 is also involved in music therapy, singing jazz in local memory care units. —Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 14 May 2025

Baptist Health South Florida is planning to soon offer music therapy too. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025

While free and open to the public, the event also serves as a fundraiser for the Conservatory’s music therapy and music education programs. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025

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

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