Music for relaxation and therapy

Music has the power to alter mood whether it’s energetic and uplifting to help you get through your workout or contemplative and relaxing to chill at the end of the day, music can inspire both movement and increased well being through rhythm and melody.

These qualities of music are used by some health practitioners to help clients with a variety of physical, psychological and emotional and social needs. This practice is broadly known as music therapy.

According to the New Zealand Society for Music Therapy, using music as therapy people is effective for:

• Developing communication.
• Extending language and intellectual development.
• Supporting people in times of loss, grief, and pain.
• Reducing stress and tension.
• Motivating rehabilitation.
• Extending movement and physical co-ordination.
• Enhancing cultural and spiritual identity.
• Giving emotional support through times of change or crisis.
• Assisting memory, imagination, and processing thought.

Some of the music in our collection, particularly our classical collection, is often used in music therapy or relaxation resources. Browse our relaxation CDs which you can borrow to create your own relaxation zone at home.

Music relaxation and therapy resources

• Relaxation our page on general relaxation techniques and resources.
• Music therapy browse the titles in our catalogue.
• The New Zealand Society for Music Therapy website has a listing of contacts, information on training and conferences and details of grants and available funding.