Music Therapy

Originally published in 2015; updated in 2026.

A note from Del: When I first wrote this article, I used “music therapy” broadly to describe music that helps people relax, feel inspired, or find comfort. There’s an important distinction between those everyday benefits and the professional practice of music therapy. This revision explains that difference while keeping the question that interested me from the beginning: how can music support us?

What is Music Therapy?

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a professional practice in which a qualified music therapist uses music to work toward a person’s particular therapeutic goals. It involves a therapeutic relationship, professional training, and an approach informed by evidence. Goals may involve communication, emotional expression, physical rehabilitation, or other needs. The American Music Therapy Association explains the profession here.

That means “music therapy” describes more than a particular song, playlist, or style of music.

Listening to a recording that brings you peace can be valuable. A music therapist might also use recorded music during treatment. What makes it professional music therapy is the therapeutic process and the qualified person guiding it.

Music in Healthcare

One of the things that originally caught my attention was an article about music being used around surgery. As a musician, I was interested in how something so familiar to me could become part of a patient’s care.

Research has examined music-based approaches for pain, anxiety, stress, and other concerns. Some findings are encouraging, but the strength of the evidence varies with the condition and the approach being studied. NCCIH provides an overview of music and health research.

Music in a healthcare setting is not always delivered by a music therapist. For example, a nurse helping a patient listen to recorded music is using music within care, but that activity alone does not meet the professional definition of music therapy. The same NCCIH overview explains this distinction.

When looking at a program, I find it helpful to ask what is actually being done, who is providing it, and what evidence supports the intended outcome. A personal account can describe someone’s experience, but it cannot establish how well a program works for everyone—or which part of a program produced the result.

Where Does Music Fit?

My work comes from my experience as a professional musician and from my exploration of music, intention, and wholeness. I create recordings with the hope that listeners will find something supportive, whether that’s a moment of quiet, space for reflection, or inspiration for their own journey.

A recording does not become professional music therapy simply because it was created with a healing intention. It can, however, be something you enjoy as part of caring for yourself. A therapist may also decide that particular music is appropriate for use within their work.

When I describe my recordings as healing music, I’m describing their purpose and the listening experience I hope to offer. Your response may differ from someone else’s, and I encourage you to notice what works for you.

Choosing Music for Yourself

Start by considering what you want from the listening experience. Are you hoping to settle down after a busy day? Make room for reflection? Find a little inspiration?

Then listen.

You don’t have to like a piece because someone else calls it relaxing. Nor should we assume that an entire genre will affect every listener in the same way. Your associations with the music matter, too.

Try a few selections at a comfortable volume. Notice whether you enjoy the sound and whether it suits what you’re doing. If a piece feels uncomfortable or brings up something you don’t want to sit with at that moment, you can change it or choose quiet.

Music can evoke strong memories and emotions, and excessive volume can damage hearing. Paying attention to your response and listening level is part of choosing well. Read NCCIH’s listening considerations.

For more ideas, see How to Choose Healing Music.

Make Room to Listen

You don’t need a clinical reason to enjoy music. Sometimes, making a little room in the day to listen is enough.

Explore a few recordings, find something you connect with, and see how it fits into your routine. If you’re seeking help with a specific health concern, a qualified practitioner can help you consider how music might fit alongside your care.

You can listen to samples of my music here.

Happy listening!