We’ve all heard stories about the power of music. Dementia patients recall old hymns and favorite tunes with shocking accuracy. Maybe you’ve just had your mood improved by a perfect playlist. Either way, people heal through the power of song. 

And that’s true for kids with cancer, too. In fact, studies show that pediatric cancer patients who participated in music therapy while undergoing rigorous chemotherapy had fewer mood disturbances and were less prone to treatment-related depression. How cool is that?

But what exactly is music therapy, and how do kids with cancer benefit?

How Music Therapy Works

Music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based practice where trained music therapists use music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It involves active (playing instruments, singing, songwriting) and passive (listening, guided relaxation) techniques tailored to each patient.

Certified music therapists assess a child’s needs and goals, then create personalized sessions that may include:

• Listening to calming music to reduce stress and pain.
• Playing instruments to encourage movement, memory, and coordination.
• Using singing and vocal exercises to boost mood and improve breathing.
• Practicing songwriting or discussing lyrics to help express emotions.
• Leading them through guided music relaxation to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

How Music Therapy Helps Pediatric Cancer Patients

#1 – Reduces Pain and Discomfort

Music therapy lowers pain perception by engaging the brain’s reward system and promoting relaxation. Listening to a curated playlist provides a distraction during procedures like chemotherapy, blood draws, or port access.

#2 – Lowers Stress, Anxiety & Depression

Hospital stays and treatments can be frightening. Music therapy helps kids feel safe and calm. Did you know that listening to music regulates the nervous system, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing dopamine (the feel-good chemical)? Music makes us feel good, period!

#3 – Enhances Emotional Expression & Coping

Cancer can be overwhelming, especially for young patients who might struggle to express their emotions. Writing or singing songs provides a way to process emotions like fear, sadness, or frustration. We’ve all felt catharsis from listening to Taylor Swift after a break-up. It’s not so different for cancer patients who want to feel seen, understood, and relieved from negative emotions.

#4 – Improves Sleep & Relaxation

Soft, slow-tempo music can help improve sleep quality, which is critical for healing. This can help counteract insomnia caused by stress, medications, or discomfort. Soft music, whether instrumental or with vocals, can help the body recover from hypervigilance and fight-or-flight reactions associated with stress and trauma.

#5 – Encourages Movement & Physical Rehabilitation

Some treatments can cause muscle weakness or limited mobility. Low-impact exercises are often recommended, and music can provide a fun and creative way to do them! Music encourages gentle movement through dancing or playing instruments.

#6 – Creates Social Connections & Reduces Isolation

Group music sessions help children interact with peers, reducing loneliness. Family participation strengthens parent-child bonds, creating moments of joy together. It can be a dance party, singing together in the car, or simply listening to one another’s favorite songs. 

#7 – Improves Cognitive Function

Cancer treatments can sometimes cause what is sometimes called "chemo brain," leading to memory and attention issues. This can be incredibly frustrating for kids trying to keep up academically! Music helps by engaging different parts of the brain, helping with focus, cognition, and mental clarity. 

#8 – Brings Joy & Normalcy to the Hospital Experience

Music therapy transforms the hospital from a clinical setting into a positive, creative space. Live music, sing-alongs, and personalized playlists bring laughter, fun, and a sense of normal life. They’re a nice reprieve from daily stresses, whether you’re belting out “Let It Go” with your child or jamming out together. This creative environment inspires resilience and uplifts spirits.

How Do I Access Music Therapy?

If you want to involve your child in music therapy, you don’t have to look far. Many hospitals have dedicated music therapy programs where licensed therapists work with pediatric cancer patients. Some organizations, like Musicians on Call and The Ryan Seacrest Foundation, bring live music to children’s hospitals. Other nonprofits, like Ollie’s Instruments, work to get quality instruments into the hands of kids with cancer…for free!

Don’t underestimate the power of music to bring hope and healing to kids with cancer…and to bring us all together! Music therapy is a beacon of hope, offering relief and comfort to children and their families in the midst of a challenging cancer journey.