At present, there is no authoritative definition of music therapy in the world that is recognized by various countries. Because experts from various countries carry out music therapy in different fields and treatment methods, each has its own definition. Many definitions mention that music therapy is a comprehensive discipline integrating psychology, medicine, and musicology. The definition of music therapy also mostly involves the definition of applied psychotherapy.

"Encyclopedia of China·Music and Dance Volume" (1989 edition) defines music therapy as follows: Music therapy is a discipline that studies the effect of music on human body functions and how to use music to treat diseases. . Belongs to the category of applied psychology.

Sardi, a European music therapy expert, believes that music therapy is the use of music to treat, alleviate or stimulate diseases.

The entry for music therapy in Japan's "New Music Dictionary" writes: Music therapy refers to psychological therapy through music. It is based on the functionalist artistic view of using music to promote physical and mental health and cultivate personality. , belongs to an applied music (psychology) category.