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
Lean into your social life by joining book clubs, taking courses, swapping skills, hosting a game or storytelling night or by signing up for art or music therapy.
—Melissa Santos, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024
Studying music therapy in college seems to lead to a meaningful career — 95% of music therapy degree-holders say their job makes the world a better place, according to a recent Payscale report.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2024
There will be an indoor track, space for speech and music therapy and art classes, along with support group meetings and other programs to help people with the disease and their caregivers.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 1 Oct. 2024
Founded by her sons and supported by her ex-husband, the foundation seeks to help people process their grief through music therapy.
—Sabienna Bowman, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for music therapy 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melissa Santos, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024
Studying music therapy in college seems to lead to a meaningful career — 95% of music therapy degree-holders say their job makes the world a better place, according to a recent Payscale report.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2024
There will be an indoor track, space for speech and music therapy and art classes, along with support group meetings and other programs to help people with the disease and their caregivers.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 1 Oct. 2024
Founded by her sons and supported by her ex-husband, the foundation seeks to help people process their grief through music therapy.
—Sabienna Bowman, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for music therapy
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 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share