Home > For Cancer Center Patients > Managing Emotions > PsychOncology Program

Music Therapy

TRY IT

An Introduction to Music Therapy - click on the arrow to start the player



If you prefer: right-click to download the MP3 file

Music can help reduce anxiety and perceptions of pain

The American Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as "the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program" (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005).

How can Music Therapy help me?

Clinical interventions are based on scientific research that shows music therapy can:

  • Alleviate pain
  • Enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety
  • Improve sleep
  • Lift mood and enhance expression
  • Improve quality of life

What types of musical therapy is offered at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center?

We have compiled a "Healing Music to Go" collection of approximately 50 CD's that you can check out at the Patient Education Resource Center (PERC) on level B1 of the Cancer Center. Many of these musical selections and other content have been downloaded onto I-pod's that are available for check out at the PERC while you are here for an appointment in the Cancer Center.

You can listen to music on-line by visiting our Music Selections web page.

If you're interested in scheduling an appointment with a music therapist or want more information, please call 877-907-0859.

Continue Reading:

Music Selections

Music therapy helps relieve anxiety, emotions of cancer diagnosis
a cancer survivor copes with her treatment using music therapy

Easy Listening
an introduction to music therapy

updated 12/2011

Return to top


 Speak with a Cancer nurse: 1-800-865-1125