Exploring themes in music therapy: A scoping review

BACKGROUND: Music uses tones and rhythms in planned sequences to make artistic pieces of music. It affects various brain areas and this impact has been studied in psychology and neuroscience. Music therapy helps improve various functions of the brain and treating symptoms of various disorders. Music training also enhances academic achievement. Various research methods have been used in the area of music therapy. The aim of the present scoping review was to critically analyze music therapy interventions for various disorders to understand strengths and limitations for development of future music therapy models. METHOD: The present scoping review followed the PRISMA guidelines and analysed 57 open and free access papers on experimental studies of music therapy using online databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar between the years 2013 and 2025. RESULTS: Music therapy helps in alleviating symptoms of mood disorders and also aid in neuroplasticity. Receptive and participative music therapy as most frequently used therapeutic methods while models such as Standley's music therapy stand out as standardized interventions. Applicability of music therapy to various disorders is a key strength while lack of standardized interventions processes and less availability of research using Indian music emerges as key limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Directions for developing further interventions based on music therapy have been mentioned.