Can music improve your health?

Growing scientific evidence suggests that it can. Both listening to music and actively making music influence the brain in ways that may support well-being and help manage certain symptoms of illness.

Music performance and listening engage multiple brain regions involved in cognition, sensation, movement, and emotion. These widespread effects may translate into physical and psychological benefits. Music stimulates the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that influence mood, memory, and social connection. It may even shape brain structure. Studies have shown that some brain areas are larger in musicians than in nonmusicians, especially in those who began training early in life.

Research also indicates that music-based approaches may benefit people at various stages of life—from childhood through older adulthood. However, much of the available research is still emerging. Many findings come from small studies or observational reports. While such evidence can point to promising directions, larger and rigorously designed studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of specific music-based interventions.

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a professional health discipline that uses music within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social goals. The term refers to the qualifications and training of the professional delivering the service rather than to a single technique.

Music therapy can include activities such as improvising, listening to music, composing songs, performing, or learning through music-based exercises. Certified music therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities, community programs, and schools.

Some music-based approaches described in research qualify as music therapy, while others do not. For example, simply listening to recorded music under the guidance of a nurse or other clinician does not meet the formal definition of music therapy if a credentialed music therapist is not involved.

Additional details about professional standards and training in music therapy are available through national professional organizations.

Can music have negative effects?

Most studies of music-based interventions report few or no harmful effects. However, listening to music at very high volumes can cause noise-related hearing damage.

Music may also evoke strong emotional responses. For some individuals, certain songs or styles may trigger distressing memories or feelings. In addition, extensive instrument practice can lead to overuse injuries and musculoskeletal pain. Music programs that include movement or exercise may carry a risk of injury if appropriate safety measures are not followed.

What does research show about music-based interventions for health conditions?

Early findings suggest that music-based interventions may ease anxiety, reduce depressive symptoms, and lessen pain in various medical conditions. There is also some evidence of benefits for symptoms associated with dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other disorders.

Pain

Research indicates that music-based interventions may help reduce pain in certain situations. Reviews of multiple studies suggest that music can lower pain intensity and emotional distress and may reduce the need for pain medication. In some analyses, benefits were greater when participants selected their own music.

Recent studies report positive effects for pain related to childbirth, cancer treatments, kidney stone procedures, fertility treatments, nasal fracture care, and sickle cell disease. However, not every study has found a benefit. For example, music has not consistently reduced discomfort during certain medical procedures such as some gynecological or bladder examinations.

Anxiety

Music-based interventions have been widely studied for anxiety in medical settings. Many studies suggest that listening to music before surgery, during cancer treatment, or while receiving dialysis may reduce anxiety. However, the quality of evidence varies, and some studies carry a risk of bias.

Findings are less consistent in dental care settings. Passive listening may not be sufficient for highly anxious individuals, and more interactive music-based techniques require further evaluation.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Evidence regarding music-based interventions for ASD remains inconclusive. Some studies suggest that educational or improvisational music therapy may improve speech or social interaction in children. However, a large, carefully designed international trial did not find significant improvements in social communication when music therapy was added to standard care. More research is needed to clarify its role.

Cancer

Music-based interventions may help reduce anxiety, depression, and pain in adults undergoing cancer treatment and may improve quality of life. Reviews of randomized trials indicate promising effects, though many studies have methodological limitations. Evidence in children and adolescents with cancer is more limited but suggests possible reductions in anxiety and improvements in mood and self-esteem.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Studies suggest that music-based interventions may relieve shortness of breath, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality in people with COPD. Effects on depression are less clear. Differences in study design and measurement methods make firm conclusions difficult.

Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Music-based interventions are widely studied in dementia care. Evidence suggests they may reduce depressive symptoms, ease behavioral challenges, and improve emotional well-being and quality of life. Effects on cognitive performance are less certain and may depend on the type of intervention and the population studied.

Both passive listening and active participation—such as singing or playing instruments—have been examined. Some analyses show small improvements in cognitive function with active interventions.

Depression

Research indicates that adding music-based interventions to standard treatment may improve depressive symptoms in adolescents and adults. Benefits may also include reduced anxiety and better daily functioning.

Fibromyalgia

Limited research suggests that music-based interventions may reduce pain and depression and improve quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. However, the number of studies is small, and study quality varies.

Multiple Sclerosis

Evidence suggests that music-based approaches may improve coordination, balance, walking ability, mood, and pain in people with multiple sclerosis. Effects on memory and mental fatigue have not been consistently observed.

Parkinson’s Disease

Several types of music-based interventions are being explored for Parkinson’s disease.

Rhythmic auditory stimulation: Using rhythmic sounds such as a metronome can help synchronize movement. Studies show improvements in walking speed and stride length, though evidence is limited.

Music-based movement therapy: Combining music with dance or rhythmic exercise may enhance motor function, balance, walking speed, and mental well-being. Results for quality of life and certain gait measures are mixed.

Singing: Singing has been studied primarily for speech difficulties, with some evidence of improvement.

Preterm Infants

Music is commonly used in neonatal intensive care units. Some studies suggest possible improvements in physiological measures such as heart rate and oxygen levels. However, evidence remains insufficient to confirm consistent physiological benefits, although no significant harms have been reported.

Schizophrenia

Music-based interventions used alongside standard treatment may improve so-called negative symptoms, such as reduced emotional expression, as well as depression and quality of life. Effects on positive symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions, have not been demonstrated consistently. Overall evidence quality is low.

Sleep Problems

Listening to music may improve subjective sleep quality in people with insomnia. While effects on overall insomnia severity are unclear, some studies suggest improvements in how quickly people fall asleep and how long they sleep. In older adults, findings are mixed, with some studies reporting benefits and others showing little change.

Stress

Reviews of numerous studies indicate that music-based interventions, particularly music therapy, may reduce both physical and psychological indicators of stress. Improvements have been observed in measures such as heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones, and self-reported anxiety. Effects appear stronger when interventions are tailored by trained music therapists.

Stroke

Music-based interventions may aid stroke rehabilitation. Research shows improvements in upper-limb function, walking, balance, attention, communication, and mood. Rhythmic auditory stimulation appears especially helpful for gait and balance, while listening-based approaches may support mood and cognitive recovery.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus, often described as ringing or buzzing in the ears, can have various causes. Sound-based approaches, including music, are sometimes used to mask or reduce symptoms. Overall, benefits tend to be modest, and complete resolution is uncommon.

A specialized method known as “notched” music therapy modifies music to remove frequencies near the perceived tinnitus sound. Recent studies have not consistently shown it to be more effective than standard music, although earlier findings suggested potential reductions in perceived loudness.

Research Supported by Federal Health Agencies

Federal health agencies are supporting research to better understand how music influences the brain and how it might be applied in clinical care. Collaborative initiatives bring together scientists, clinicians, and arts organizations to explore music’s mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

Current projects include studies on music’s effects on brain development, chronic pain, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke recovery, cardiovascular health in older adults, and neurodevelopment in preterm infants.

Efforts are also underway to develop standardized research tools to improve the rigor and reproducibility of music-based intervention studies, particularly for age-related brain disorders.

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Key References

A selection of systematic reviews and clinical studies supports the findings summarized in this article, including research on music therapy for depression, cancer care, preoperative anxiety, stress reduction, dementia, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain.

Acknowledgments

This material was reviewed by scientific staff with expertise in neuroscience and complementary health research.

This publication is in the public domain and may be freely reproduced.

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your health care provider regarding treatment decisions. Mention of specific therapies or services does not constitute endorsement.