Music/Music Therapy

Music therapy is the application of music to influence physiologic, psychological, and emotional functioning. It often is used with other behavioral techniques, such as relaxation. Music interventions vary from listening to recorded music to listening to live music to more formal music therapy provided by music therapists. Professional music therapy involves individualization of the intervention, may involve the patient in the music making, and includes a systematic therapeutic process including assessment, treatment, and evaluation. Music and music therapy have been evaluated for effects in anxiety, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, depression, dyspnea, pain, fatigue, and caregiver strain and burden.