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 Marina currently serves in an internship for music therapy at I.U. Health in Bloomington, where her singing talents provide emotional support for patients. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Mar. 2024 Often confused with music therapy as both sound baths and music therapy utilize different forms of music, sound baths are more meditative in nature and focus on feeling the vibrations from each sound throughout the body. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Emma Banks, longtime co-head of CAA London, has been appointed chair of Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s leading music therapy charity. Marc Schneider, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2024 After a keynote speech from Princess Eugenie and de Boinville, guests were treated to a performance from Dreams, a modern slavery survivors’ choir that was formed during music therapy sessions provided by the Salvation Army. Mario Abad, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2023 In addition to the free groceries, Belmont University, where Paisley graduated, now offers additional services to low-income families, including financial literacy events, music therapy and medicine management. Kristin M. Hall, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2023 In addition to the free groceries, Belmont University, where Mr. Paisley graduated, now offers additional services to low-income families, including financial literacy events, music therapy, and medicine management. Kristin M. Hall, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Dec. 2023 The studios also facilitate music therapy and other forms of therapeutic play and allow patients to create their own shows. Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 2023 What was in these requests about why there was an interest in music therapy? Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'music therapy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of music therapy was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near music therapy

Cite this Entry

“Music therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/music%20therapy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

music therapy

noun
mu·​sic therapy ˈmyü-zik- How to pronounce music therapy (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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