Music Therapy
Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals of all ages. The idea that music can improve health dates back to ancient Egypt, and current research indicates its positive effect on quality of life for children and adults with disabilities or illnesses such as cancer.
Music therapy can be designed to:
- Promote wellness
- Manage stress
- Alleviate pain
- Express feelings
- Enhance memory
- Improve communication
- Promote physical rehabilitation
MD Anderson's Integrative Medicine Center provides music therapy for children and adult inpatients, outpatients and their families. A board certified music therapist provides individual and group sessions, using passive listening or actively playing various musical instruments. No previous musical experience is required.
If you would like an appointment with our music therapist, please ask your MD Anderson physician to submit an online consultation request. Should you have additional questions, please call us at 713-794-4700.
Music for Imagery & Relaxation
A review of the literature was conducted and used to develop music tracks for imagery and relaxation. Based on this research, the following original compositions feature common musical elements as they relate to music for relaxation purposes: melody, instrumentation, harmonic progression, key signature, tempo and time signature. We encourage you to use these tracks as part of your relaxation exercises.
Funds were generously donated by the Volunteer Endowment for Patient Support (VEPS) Disbursement Committee. The music selections below were composed and recorded by MD Anderson music therapists Michael Richardson, MT-BC, and Ingrid Sevy, MA, MT-BC. Synthesized music written by Ronald Waters.
Request an Appointment
The Integrative Medicine Center and its services are available to all current MD Anderson patients.
To request an appointment:
- Call 713-794-4700
- Ask your MD Anderson physician or nurse to submit an internal consult
- What to expect at your first appointment
Music Therapy Resources
Music as Therapy
"Tuned" for healing
A Cancerwise blog
By Angela Rankin, Cancer Survivor and Celebration Singer
I was being treated at the No. 1 cancer hospital in the country, but I also needed medicine for my mind. That's when I decided to focus on music. "He who sings scares away his woes." (Cervantes)
Continue reading "Tuned" for healing.