Become familiar with your patient who will be using music therapy for a cure to a personal health struggle. The type of music you use for therapy will be dependent upon the patient's condition, as well as the style of music that she generally prefers. According to Suzanne Hanser, EdD, a music therapist at Berklee College of Music and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, "There is no set prescription, no particular piece of music that will make everyone feel better or more relaxed."
Understand the patient's needs. Hanser says, "The key is to individualize your musical selection." If your patient is in need of a cure for an emotional or mental-based condition, such as stress or depression, find uplifting musical styles to play for her during therapy sessions. The memories and familiarity that are associated with a certain music can help to improve your patient's state of mind.
Use music to help or cure physical conditions by using it as a way to help people push themselves to move their bodies more on a daily basis. You can incorporate music into exercises for physical therapy or injury rehabilitation by playing the music for encouragement and motivation while a patient is doing her exercises.
Instruct a patient to use enjoyable music on a regular basis to use with her physical and emotional exercises. Suggest turning music on in the mornings, afternoons and evenings to promote a sustained sense of well-being throughout the day.