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.
World Voice Day: Music as Medicine
Join us for a remarkable celebration of the healing power of music at the 2025 World Voice Day: Music as Medicine event, hosted by the University of Cincinnati Department of Otolaryngology in partnership with the UC Osher Center, Cincinnati Opera, Miami University, and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. This unique event will feature live performances by the Miami University Choraliers, voice students from CCM and Miami, and Cincinnati Opera artists, plus interactive demonstrations, mindfulness meditation, and more. Discover how music and voice intersect with health and wellness.
- Where: Corbett Tower • Cincinnati Music Hall1241 Elm StreetCincinnati, OH, 45202United States (map)
- When: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 4-7 p.m.
- Cost: This event is free and open to all; registration is required.
- Registration: learn more & register for free on the Cincinnati Opera website.
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: Blood Cancer Healing Center 3232 Healing Way, Cincinnati, OH 45229
- When: Second 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: Sound Immersion registration information.
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.
Music & Dance Therapy in Clinical Care: Centering Group Medical Visits
Learn more about Centering Group Medical Visits
Past Events
2022 Optimize Your Wellbeing Community Symposium
View Pictures from the Event2023 Sound Immersion During An Evening of Wellness in Ault Park
View Pictures from the EventCommunity Resources
Contact Us
Osher Center for IntegrativeHealth at UC
Medical Sciences Building Suite 4358
231 Albert Sabin Way
PO Box 670582
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0582
Mail Location: 0582
Phone: 513-558-2310
Fax: 513-558-3266
Email: ucihw@uc.edu