The Science of Music Therapy

music-therapy-teen-guitar-session

AMTA IconLearn at Your Pace

What the Research Says About Music Therapy

Music therapy research points to measurable benefits in many areas of care. Clinical outcomes include improved mood, improved pain management, shortened hospital stay, reduced stress, stronger communication, enhanced motor function, and greater support during medical treatment.

These outcomes help explain why music therapy is used in hospitals, rehabilitation programs, schools, mental health settings, hospice care, and more.

View AMTA Publications & Research
music-therapy-teen-guitar-session

AMTA IconEvidence in Practice

Research Outcomes by Clinical Area

Research demonstrates that music therapy produces measurable clinical outcomes across a wide range of healthcare settings and populations, improving physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being while supporting evidence-based care.

Premature Infants

Research shows that music therapy supports both infants and caregivers, including:

  • Improved feeding behavior and weight gain
  • Decreased length of stay
  • Decreased respiration and heart rate
  • Increased relaxation for parent and child

Neurological Disorders & Brain Injury

Music therapy supports rehabilitation and functioning for individuals with neurologic conditions and brain injuries, including:

  • Enhanced motor, cognitive, verbal, and/or social-emotional functioning
  • Improved gait speed, symmetry, and muscle activation in people with neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and cerebral palsy
  • Improved treatment compliance and mood

Chronic Illness & Oncology

For people managing serious or ongoing illness, music therapy helps reduce distress and support quality of life. Clinical outcomes include:

  • Reduced anxiety and decreased pain
  • Elevated mood and enhanced quality of life
  • Enhanced immune functioning
  • Reduced nausea

Mental Health

In mental health settings, music therapy can help people express emotions, connect with others, and build coping skills in a safe and supportive space. Clinical outcomes include:

  • Reduced muscle tension
  • Increased verbalization
  • Successful and safe emotional release
  • Improved group cohesiveness

Medical & Surgical Procedures

Music therapy is often used to support patients before, during, or after medical procedures. Clinical outcomes include:

  • Reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and improved respiration
  • Improved pain management and mood
  • Decreased length of hospitalization
  • Reduced need for sedation for pediatric patients receiving EEGs, CT scans, and other procedures

Developmental Disabilities & Autism Spectrum

Music therapy helps support communication, sensory processing, and skill development for individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder. Clinical outcomes include:

  • Enhanced auditory processing
  • Enhanced sensory-motor skills
  • Improved verbal skills
  • Improved behavior regulation

Substance Abuse & Addictive Disorders

Music therapy supports recovery by helping individuals build insight, motivation, and healthy interpersonal connections. Clinical outcomes include:

  • Improved self-esteem
  • Increased motivation
  • Improved emotional regulation and coping
  • Enhanced interpersonal relationships

Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

For older adults and individuals with memory-related conditions, music therapy helps support engagement, comfort, and connection. Clinical outcomes include:

  • Reduced depression
  • Improved attention, memory, and motor skills
  • Improved emotional regulation
  • Increased socialization

Hospice & Bereavement

Music therapy offers comfort, connection, and support during end-of-life care and grief. Clinical outcomes include:

  • Improved quality of life
  • Non-pharmacological pain management
  • Meaningful opportunities to interact with family
  • Promotion of relaxation

Physical Rehabilitation & Orthopedic Care

Music therapy can support physical rehabilitation by using rhythm and musical activities to encourage movement, coordination, and participation in therapy. Clinical outcomes include:

  • Improved range of motion and mobility
  • Enhanced coordination and motor control
  • Increased motivation and participation in rehabilitation
  • Reduced perception of pain and physical discomfort

AMTA IconResearch Initiatives

Music Therapy Research

music-therapy-symposium-professional-conference
icons-14

MTR 2025 Publication

In July 2015, the American Music Therapy Association convened Music Therapy Research 2025 (MTR 2025), a landmark symposium focused on strengthening music therapy research and expanding access, quality, and outcomes of care.

The resulting publication captures the symposium’s discussions, recommendations, research priorities, policy implications, clinical needs, and vision for building a stronger foundation for music therapy research.

Read the MTR 2025 Report
icons-15

MTR 2025 Virtual Collection

In conjunction with the 2025 AMTA Symposium and AMTA’s 75th anniversary, a Virtual Collection of articles from the Journal of Music Therapy and Music Therapy Perspectives was made available through Oxford University Press.

Curated with input from music therapists across the profession, the collection features influential articles and recommended readings reflecting the scholarship and research that have shaped music therapy practice.

Access the MTR 2025 Virtual Collection
icons-16

MTR 2025 Symposium Supplement

Developed as part of the 2025 AMTA Symposium, this AMTA-U continuing education offering celebrates the culmination of MTR 2025 while highlighting collaborative research and the preparation of future music therapy researchers.

The asynchronous program offers 6 CMTE credits and 3 LCAT credits, is included with AMTA membership, and is available to non-members for $210, providing flexible access to symposium content.

Access the Symposium Supplement