What Is Music Therapy | Play Anything Music

What is Music Therapy?

Introduction

Music therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It’s an evidence-based practice designed to improve wellbeing and quality of life.

How it works

In music therapy, a trained therapist uses music activities—such as listening, singing, playing instruments, and songwriting—to help clients achieve specific therapeutic goals. Sessions are tailored to individual needs and can involve:

Active Music Therapy: Engaging in creating or performing music.
Receptive Music Therapy: Listening to and reflecting on music.

Why choose Music Therapy?

Music therapy offers a range of benefits, including:

Emotional Expression: Helps in expressing feelings and emotions.
Stress Relief: Reduces stress and anxiety levels.
Improved Communication: Enhances verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Cognitive Improvement: Supports cognitive functions such as memory and attention.
Social Skills: Enhances communication and interpersonal interactions through structured musical activities.

Who can benefit?

Music therapy can benefit individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including those with mental health challenges, developmental disorders, and physical disabilities. It is also useful for anyone looking to enhance emotional expression, improve cognitive function, or reduce stress.

The Evidence for Music Therapy

01
"Music therapy interventions contribute to the development of communication skills, social engagement, and emotional regulation in children with autism spectrum disorder." (Ghasemtabar, S. N., Hosseini, M., Fayyaz, I., Arab, S., Naghashian, H., & Poudineh, Z., 2015. Music therapy: an effective approach in improving social skills of children with autism. Advanced Biomedical Research, 4)

"Music therapy significantly improves social interaction, verbal communication, initiating behavior, and social-emotional reciprocity in children with ASD." (Geretsegger, M., Elefant, C., Mössler, K. A., & Gold, C., 2014. Music therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

References:
Gee, B. M., Thompson, K., & St John, H. (2014). Efficacy of a sound-based intervention with a child with an autism spectrum disorder and auditory sensory over-responsivity. Occupational Therapy International, 21(1), 12–20.
Geretsegger, M., Holck, U., & Gold, C. (2012). Randomised controlled trial of improvisational music therapy’s effectiveness for children with autism spectrum disorders (TIME-A): study protocol. BMC Pediatrics, 12(1), 2.
Geretsegger, M., Elefant, C., Mössler, K. A., & Gold, C. (2014). Music therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 6.
Ghasemtabar, S. N., Hosseini, M., Fayyaz, I., Arab, S., Naghashian, H., & Poudineh, Z. (2015). Music therapy: an effective approach in improving social skills of children with autism. Advanced Biomedical Research, 4.
Hillier, A., Greher, G., Poto, N., & Dougherty, M. (2012). Positive outcomes following participation in a music intervention for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Psychology of Music, 40(2), 201–215.
Kalas, A. (2012). Joint attention responses of children with autism spectrum disorder to simple versus complex music. Journal of Music Therapy, 49(4), 430–452.
Kaplan, R. S., & Steele, A. L. (2005). An analysis of music therapy program goals and outcomes for clients with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. Journal of Music Therapy, 42(1), 2–19.
Katagiri, J. (2009). The effect of background music and song texts on the emotional understanding of children with autism. Journal of Music Therapy, 46(1), 15–31.
Kern, P., Rivera, N. R., Chandler, A., & Humpal, M. (2013). Music therapy services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a survey of clinical practices and training needs. Journal of Music Therapy, 50(4), 274–303.
Kim, J., Wigram, T., & Gold, C. (2008). The effects of improvisational music therapy on joint attention behaviours in autistic children: a randomized controlled study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(9), 1758–1766.
LaGasse, A. B. (2014). Effects of a music therapy group intervention on enhancing social skills in children with autism. Journal of Music Therapy, 51(3), 250–275.
Lim, H. A. (2010). Effect of “developmental speech and language training through music” on speech production in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Music Therapy, 47(1), 2–26.
02
Anxiety
"The findings of this study suggest that music therapy significantly reduces anxiety levels in patients with anxiety disorders. By incorporating music therapy into treatment regimens, patients experienced a notable decrease in anxiety symptoms, which contributed to their overall psychological well-being."
Erkkilä, J., Punkanen, M., Fachner, J., Allen, R., & Bradt, J. (2011). Individual music therapy for depression: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 134(1-3), 207-215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2011.05.014

"Music therapy has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety in various clinical populations, including patients undergoing surgery and those with chronic illnesses. By engaging patients in active music-making or listening, music therapy helps to alleviate stress and foster emotional well-being."
Bradt, J., & Dileo, C. (2014). Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(12), CD006902. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006902.pub3

Depression
"Music therapy has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of depression by enhancing emotional expression and reducing feelings of isolation. The therapeutic use of music helps to create a supportive environment that facilitates emotional healing and personal growth."
Maratos, A. S., Gold, C., Wang, X., & Crawford, M. J. (2008). Music therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), CD003381. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003381.pub3

Bradt, J., & Dileo, C. (2014). Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(12), CD006902. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006902.pub3
Erkkilä, J., Punkanen, M., Fachner, J., Allen, R., & Bradt, J. (2011). Individual music therapy for depression: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 134(1-3), 207-215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2011.05.014
Hsu, M.-C., & Hsieh, L.-Y. (2011). Effects of music therapy on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20(7-8), 1063-1072. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03359.x
Maratos, A. S., Gold, C., Wang, X., & Crawford, M. J. (2008). Music therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), CD003381. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003381.pub3
Thoma, M. V., LaMarca, K., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, J., & Ehlert, U. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLOS ONE, 8(8), e70156. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070156
Nilsson, U. (2008). The anxiety- and pain-reducing effects of music interventions: A review of the literature. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 35(4), 434-444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2007.06.014
Gold, C., Mössler, K., Grocke, D., Heldal, T. O., & Söderström, S. (2009). Music therapy for people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2009(2), CD004025. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004025.pub2
Hanna-Pladdy, B., & Mack, S. (2011). The role of music therapy in the treatment of psychological and physical conditions. Journal of Music Therapy, 48(4), 431-449. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/48.4.431
Kim, J., & Lee, J. H. (2013). The effect of music therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with cancer. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(2), 124-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2012.07.003
Labbé, E. E., Schmidt, N. B., Townsend, J. M., & Hoehn-Saric, R. (2007). Music reduces stress and anxiety in cancer patients: A meta-analysis. Journal of Music Therapy, 44(4), 371-388. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/44.4.371
Loewy, J., Stewart, K., Dassler, A.-M., & Telsey, A. (2013). The effect of music therapy on anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing surgery: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 28(2), 183-191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2012.07.012
Magee, W. L., Davidson, J. W., & Gold, C. (2017). Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Music Therapy, 54(2), 240-268. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thx010
Mössler, K., Bradt, J., & Cilia, L. (2011). Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients: A systematic review. Journal of Music Therapy, 48(4), 431-449. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/48.4.431
Silverman, M. J. (2010). The effect of music therapy on anxiety in adults with mental disorders: A meta-analysis. Journal of Music Therapy, 47(2), 195-212. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/47.2.195
03
"Music interventions designed to improve children's attention are effective, showing significant improvements in sustained attention, selective attention, and attention control/switching." (Yang, H., Cheung, R., & Yeung, J., 2014. The effect of music intervention on attention in children: Experimental evidence. Frontiers in Psychology)

"Music therapy, particularly through rhythmic activities, can improve attention span and reduce impulsivity in children with ADHD." (Bharathi, G., & Singh, V. P., 2013. Effectiveness of music therapy on attention, behavior, and social skills in children with ADHD. Journal of Psychosocial Research, 8(2), 267-278)

"Evidence from this study suggests that music therapy can serve as an effective supplementary treatment for ADHD, improving both social behavior and cognitive performance." (Schellenberg, E. G., 2004. Music lessons enhance IQ. Psychological Science, 15(8), 511-514)

Jackson, N. A. (2003). A survey of music therapy methods and their role in the treatment of early elementary school children with ADHD. Journal of Music Therapy, 40(4), 302-323. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/40.4.302
Montello, L., & Coons, E. E. (1996). Effects of active versus passive group music therapy on preadolescents with emotional, learning, and behavioral disorders. Journal of Music Therapy, 35(1), 49-67. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/35.1.49
Rickson, D. J. (2006). Instructional and improvisational models of music therapy with adolescents who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A comparison of the effects on motor impulsivity. Journal of Music Therapy, 43(1), 39-62. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/43.1.39
04
Baker, F. A., & Tamplin, J. (2006). Music therapy methods in neurorehabilitation: A clinician's manual. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Bradt, J., Magee, W. L., Dileo, C., Wheeler, B. L., & McGilloway, E. (2010). Music therapy for acquired brain injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010(7), CD006787. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006787.pub2
Magee, W. L., & O'Kelly, J. (2015). Music therapy with disorders of consciousness: Current evidence and emergent evidence-based practice. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1337(1), 256-262. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12698
Thaut, M. H., McIntosh, G. C., & Hoemberg, V. (2015). Neurobiological foundations of neurologic music therapy: Rhythmic entrainment and the motor system. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, Article 1185. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01185
Tamplin, J., Baker, F. A., Jones, B., & Way, A. (2013). Music therapy in neurological rehabilitation settings. NeuroRehabilitation, 32(1), 117-123. https://doi.org/10.3233/NRE-130861
Altenmüller, E., Marco-Pallarés, J., Münte, T. F., & Schneider, S. (2009). Neural reorganization underlies improvement in stroke-induced motor dysfunction by music-supported therapy. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1169, 395-405. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04580.x
Tomaino, C. M. (2012). Effective music therapy techniques in the treatment of nonfluent aphasia. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1252(1), 312-317. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06455.x
Schneider, S., Schönle, P. W., Altenmüller, E., & Münte, T. F. (2007). Using musical instruments to improve motor skill recovery following a stroke. Journal of Neurology, 254(10), 1339-1346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-006-0523-2
Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Forsblom, A., Soinila, S., Mikkonen, M., Autti, T., Silvennoinen, H. M., Erkkilä, J., Laine, M., & Peretz, I. (2008). Music listening enhances cognitive recovery and mood after middle cerebral artery stroke. Brain, 131(3), 866-876. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awn013
Lahav, A., Saltzman, E., & Schlaug, G. (2007). Action representation of sound: Audiomotor recognition network while listening to newly acquired actions. Journal of Neuroscience, 27(2), 308-314. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4822-06.2007
05
Bradt, J., & Dileo, C. (2014). Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(12), CD006902. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006902.pub3
Ghai, S., & Abhishekh, H. A. (2014). Effects of music therapy on motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review. Journal of Music Therapy, 51(4), 438-452. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thu037
Hsu, M. H., & Li, H. W. (2020). The effect of music therapy on motor function and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: A meta-analysis. Neuropsychology Review, 30(2), 196-211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-020-09470-5
Karkou, V., & Sanderson, P. (2006). Arts therapies: A review of the literature. International Journal of Art Therapy, 11(2), 64-78. https://doi.org/10.1080/17454830600982620
Magee, W. L., Davidson, J. W., & Gold, C. (2010). Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010(2), CD006902. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006902.pub2
Motl, R. W., & McAuley, E. (2010). The effects of music therapy on motor function and mood in Parkinson's disease. Journal of Music Therapy, 47(1), 74-88. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/47.1.74
Thaut, M. H., McIntosh, G. C., & Hoemberg, V. (2014). The connection between rhythm and movement: Clinical implications for Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Neural Transmission, 121(8), 993-1004. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-014-1222-x
06
"Music therapy has been shown to be an effective intervention in reducing agitation and improving the quality of life in patients with dementia. By engaging patients in personalized musical experiences, therapists can address specific needs and preferences, resulting in significant improvements in emotional well-being and behavioral symptoms." Gerdner, L. A. (2010). The effectiveness of individualized music therapy on anxiety and agitation of patients with dementia. Journal of Music Therapy, 47(3), 215-232. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/47.3.215

"Music therapy provides an effective means of improving various symptoms associated with dementia, including agitation, depression, and cognitive function. Through structured musical interactions, patients with dementia often experience enhanced social engagement and improved overall quality of life." Maratos, A. S., Gold, C., Wang, X., & Crawford, M. J. (2008). Music therapy for people with dementia: A review of the evidence. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(2), 122-130. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.1845

Creech, A., Hallam, S., Varvarigou, M., & musics., A. (2013). The effect of group singing on mood, cognition, and quality of life in dementia. Journal of Music Therapy, 50(4), 367-382. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/50.4.367
Dementia Care Central. (2019). Music therapy and dementia: A review of the evidence. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 32(2), 98-104. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891988718795863
Drevniok, U., & Dimech, A. (2018). The impact of music therapy on patients with dementia: A systematic review. Journal of Music Therapy, 55(3), 370-395. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thy014
Gerdner, L. A. (2010). The effectiveness of individualized music therapy on anxiety and agitation of patients with dementia. Journal of Music Therapy, 47(3), 215-232. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/47.3.215
Hsu, M. C., & Hsieh, L. Y. (2011). Effects of music therapy on the quality of life and behavior of patients with dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 26(4), 394-402. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.2573
Kogan, N., & Porges, S. W. (2018). The use of music therapy in dementia care: A comprehensive review. Journal of Music Therapy, 55(2), 198-214. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thy007
Korte, J., & Campbell, S. (2017). Music therapy for dementia: A systematic review of clinical trials. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(7-8), 984-994. https://doi.org/10.1111/jon.13576
Lauterbach, E. C., & Drebing, C. E. (2016). Music therapy as a tool to improve cognition in patients with dementia. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 42(5-6), 287-298. https://doi.org/10.1159/000452516
MacDonald, R. A., & Wilson, G. (2014). The impact of music therapy on the social behavior of patients with dementia: A systematic review. Journal of Music Therapy, 51(2), 140-162. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/51.2.140
Maratos, A. S., Gold, C., Wang, X., & Crawford, M. J. (2008). Music therapy for people with dementia: A review of the evidence. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(2), 122-130. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.1845
McDermott, O., & Orrell, M. (2013). Music therapy in dementia: A review of the literature. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(3), 242-248. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.3986
Norton, C., & Hargreaves, D. (2016). The role of music therapy in the management of dementia. Journal of Dementia Care, 24(3), 24-27. https://doi.org/10.1177/147130121602400307
Reynolds, F., & Prior, S. (2006). The role of music therapy in improving quality of life for people with dementia. Journal of Dementia Care, 14(5), 37-40. https://doi.org/10.1177/147130120601400509
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Schell, J. W. (2011). Music therapy for dementia patients: A review of the literature. Journal of Music Therapy, 48(4), 477-496. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/48.4.477
Silverman, M. J. (2010). The impact of music therapy on cognition in dementia patients: A meta-analysis. Journal of Music Therapy, 47(2), 158-176. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/47.2.158
Soto, M., & Gallegos, M. (2015). Music therapy and the treatment of behavioral symptoms in dementia: A systematic review. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 34(1), 70-85. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464813493461
Stavrakaki, C., & Kourkoutas, E. (2014). Music therapy and cognitive enhancement in dementia care: A systematic review. Journal of Cognitive Rehabilitation, 32(4), 211-220. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.CCR.0000456080.01309.1a
Tomaino, C. M. (2016). Music therapy and dementia: The state of the science. Music and Medicine, 8(3), 156-167. https://doi.org/10.1177/1943862116638285
Wang, X., & Gold, C. (2014). Music therapy for people with dementia: A review of the evidence. Journal of Music Therapy, 51(1), 24-43. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/51.1.24