Expressive Therapies

Music as Medicine

According to a growing body of research, listening to or making music affects the brain in ways that may help promote health and manage disease symptoms. Performing or listening to music activates a variety of structures in the brain that are involved in thinking, sensation, movement, and emotion. This type of brain activity may have physical and psychological benefits.

Music can encourage social connection at a live concert, motivate you through a workout, or even help you fall asleep. A board-certified music therapist can help you deepen your connection to and understanding of how music impacts well-being. Music therapists can help you find the best intervention and “dose” to positively impact your health and provide a form of healing. Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses evidence-based music interventions to address therapeutic healthcare goals. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the use of music interventions (listening to music, singing, and music therapy) can create significant improvements in mental health, and smaller improvements in physical health-related quality of life.

Monthly Sound Immersion Events

Immerse yourself in soothing sounds produced by instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, didgeridoos, flutes, and chimes for an immersive sensory experience. Shown to promote deep relaxation and nervous system regulation, sound therapy uses sound, music, and special instruments played in therapeutic ways, combined with deep self-reflection techniques to improve health and well-being.

• Where: UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute Auditorium, 3113 Bellevue Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45219, free garage parking available
• When: First Tuesday of each month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to attend the full session but are welcome to come and go if needed.
• Cost: This class is offered at no-cost thanks to a generous donation from the Waddell Family Foundation.
• Registration: No experience or registration required. Simply show up and be.

Educational Opportunities through the University of Cincinnati

Read more: Dementia & The Arts Brings People Together Through Music

MEDS 2090 Music & Health: this course will expand student knowledge beyond traditional coursework by including experientials pared with the growing scientific evidence of music and health outcomes. Students in health-related fields will possess new ways to connect with their patients or clients through additional therapies and/or modalities that may be part of their existing skill set or of particular interest.

2022 Optimize Your Wellbeing Community Symposium

View Pictures from the Event

2023 Sound Immersion During An Evening of Wellness in Ault Park

View Pictures from the Event

Community Resources