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
Proceeds support the nonprofit’s music therapy programs benefiting children, families, seniors, military, veterans and the wider community.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
Marina currently serves in an internship for music therapy at I.U. Health in Bloomington, where her singing talents provide emotional support for patients.
—Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Mar. 2024
The organization educates kids on the dangers of drug use and also provides music therapy.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 18 May 2024
While in the program, kids with chronic pain receive daily doses of physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and recreational and music therapy by a team of providers who work together to coordinate care for each patient.
—Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for music therapy 
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
Marina currently serves in an internship for music therapy at I.U. Health in Bloomington, where her singing talents provide emotional support for patients.
—Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Mar. 2024
The organization educates kids on the dangers of drug use and also provides music therapy.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 18 May 2024
While in the program, kids with chronic pain receive daily doses of physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and recreational and music therapy by a team of providers who work together to coordinate care for each patient.
—Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for music therapy
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.
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 19 Aug. 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
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