Music therapy involves the clinical use of musical interventions to relieve pain, improve cognitive functioning, reduce social anxiety and encourage physical well-being and general mental (American Music Therapy Association). The techniques often involve individuals actively participating in music therapy through singing, composing, or listening to music. Evidence-based studies have shown that music therapy can elicit both a physiological and psychological response, resulting in cognitive and behavioral benefits that make it an ideal therapeutic tool in managing stress in normal daily activities and in healthcare settings. Music stimulates multiple areas of the brain causing auditory, emotional, autonomic and cognitive processes. Once you hear the sound waves of music, the signals travel from the auditory system to the areas of the brain responsible for processing and analyzing sound information. These areas are the primary auditory cortex, Heschl's gyrus, frontal operculum, superior temporal sulcus, and cortical language areas. After sound processing, emotional processing of the heard sound occurs in the amygdala, cingulate gyrus and medical orbitofrontal cortex. Processed music feedback can lead to physiological responses and changes in the autonomic nervous system as a result of the type of music listened to (Nizamie and Tikka). For example, harsh, fast-paced music tends to increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (increased heart rate, faster breathing), while soft, soothing music stimulates the body to relax, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (frequency slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and slower heart rate). breathing) (...... middle of paper ...... April 19, 2014 “History”. American Music Therapy Association. Web. April 19, 2014. Leardi, S. et al. “Randomized clinical trial examining the 'Effect of Music Therapy in the Stress Response to Day Surgery'. British Journal of Surgery Society. 94.8: 943-947. 'Psychiatry and Music”. Indian Journal of Psychiatry 56.2 (2014): 128-140. Web. 19 April 2014 Play a role. “Science Daily. 30 December 2013. Web. 19 April 2014.” Stress management-music therapy for stress and anxiety ". Music Therapy Association of British Columbia. Network. April 19, 2014. Tams, Lisa. “The Role of Music in Stress Management.” Michigan State University, October 15, 2013. Web. April 19 2014.