CompleteLife Musical Experience

Music Therapy

According to the Music Therapy Association, music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used to address physical, emotional, mental and social needs of individuals. Carefully planned music therapy sessions can help you relax, change your mood, express your feelings and reduce your pain.

Music therapists are health professionals. When involved in your treatment team, music therapists measure your strengths and needs and provide suggestions for therapy which may involve making music, moving to music, music psychotherapy and music relaxation. Sessions are designed and music selected based on individual preferences, goals, circumstances and need. You do not need to have a prior musical training to benefit from music therapy.

To see a music therapist, please ask your doctor or nurse.

Music Therapy Research

Board-certified music therapist Dr. Deb Burns conducts music therapy research and helps develop evidence-based music therapy programs. Dr. Sheri Robb also conducts music therapy research with children who have cancer.

Research suggests that music can help individuals of all ages cope with cancer by:

  • enhancing relaxation, feelings of happiness, self-worth and well-being
  • encouraging positive thoughts and experiences
  • decreasing muscle tension, blood pressure, pain and nausea
  • reducing anxiety, anger, sadness and fatigue

More information:

What is Music Therapy? (IU Simon Cancer Center)

Music Therapy Association

Music Soothes Distress of Cancer Treatment (American Cancer Society)