Music as Medicine: The Evidence for Music as Therapy Is Stronger Than Ever

Music is more than an art form—it’s a powerful therapeutic tool backed by decades of research. From tango lessons improving motor skills in Parkinson’s patients to choral singing reducing depression in dementia, the evidence is clear: music can heal both the mind and body.

The Rise of Music Therapy in Clinical Practice

In Germany, music therapy is widely used in inpatient care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

“There is good evidence of effectiveness,” says Lutz Neugebauer, PhD, chairman of the German Music Therapy Society and co-organizer of the 13th European Music Therapy Congress.

Since Germany last hosted the congress in 1996:

• Nearly 9,000 music therapy studies have been published in the PubMed database.
• Over 1,500 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 360 systematic reviews support its benefits.

These findings have influenced Germany’s national clinical guidelines. For example, music therapy is now recommended to treat anxiety, apathy, and restlessness in dementia patients.

What the Research Shows

A large meta-analysis covering 150 systematic reviews and 3,885 RCTs revealed strong support for music and dance therapy:

• Neurologic disorders: Small-to-moderate effects (SMD = 0.40)
• Cancer: Moderate effects (SMD = 0.52)
• Cardiovascular disease: Moderate effects (SMD = 0.52)
• Mental illness: Moderate effects (SMD = 0.53)
• Chronic respiratory disease: Stronger effects (SMD = 0.76)

“The results particularly support music and dance therapy,” explains Sabine C. Koch, PhD, professor at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences.

These therapies are increasingly recognized as valuable complements to first-line treatments.

Key Benefits of Music Therapy

Neurologic and Motor Disorders

• Parkinson’s disease: Tango improves balance and coordination.
• Stroke recovery: Music therapy accelerates speech and language rehabilitation.

Mental Health and Dementia

• Choral singing helps alleviate depression and fosters social engagement.
• Music therapy helps reduce anxiety and agitation in dementia.

Pain Management and Palliative Care

• Music therapy reduces pain and fatigue in cancer patients.
• It has effects comparable to opioids—without the side effects.

Neonatal and Pediatric Care

• In premature infants, music has been shown to improve heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep.
• It also strengthens parent-child bonding and supports early brain development.

Trauma and Communication Disorders

• Music provides a bridge for individuals with trauma or communication barriers.

The Access Gap

Despite its evidence base, outpatient music therapy is often not covered by insurance in Germany.

“In a healthcare system that prioritizes outpatient care, access to music therapy must be guaranteed for all patients,” says Neugebauer.

This limits access for lower-income patients—even though music therapy has a strong safety profile and proven results.

Why This Matters

Music as therapy isn’t alternative medicine—it’s evidence-based care. From supporting neurologic recovery to improving mental well-being, music belongs in the treatment conversation.

At Wellsounds, we’re committed to sharing the science of music and health because music doesn’t just change moods—it changes lives.

Sources

• Medscape. (2025). Music Therapy Gains Ground in Germany (translated from Medscape’s German edition)
• Neugebauer, L., PhD – German Music Therapy Society
• Koch, S. C., PhD – Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences