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 Sounds of Service program provides music therapy for active military personnel, veterans and first responders through partnerships with veterans organizations throughout San Diego.
—Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
For example, Elon already has a graduate law program in Charlotte, while Queens has a music therapy program, which Elon doesn’t currently offer.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
This includes quality-of-life research on nutrition and fitness, art and music therapy, psychotherapy, distress and pain management and other health-specific interventions.
—Zeina Nahleh, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Like aquatic, art, and music therapy, golf is simply another modality to encourage play, engagement, and healing through joy and movement.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for music therapy
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Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
For example, Elon already has a graduate law program in Charlotte, while Queens has a music therapy program, which Elon doesn’t currently offer.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
This includes quality-of-life research on nutrition and fitness, art and music therapy, psychotherapy, distress and pain management and other health-specific interventions.
—Zeina Nahleh, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Like aquatic, art, and music therapy, golf is simply another modality to encourage play, engagement, and healing through joy and movement.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 10 July 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 31 Oct. 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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