Crud! i am trying to get some work done today but i keep getting distracted by topics more interesting than the one I am supposed to be addressing...!
anyway the authors of this article , Music as Therapy are Kathi J. Kemper and Suzanne C. Danhouer, for those with accesses to databases. The bibliography is really extensive (84 references) and contains many relevant articles.
Abstract: Music is widely used to enhance well-being, reduce stress,
and distract patients from unpleasant symptoms. Although there are
wide variations in individual preferences, music appears to exert direct
physiologic effects through the autonomic nervous system. It also has
indirect effects by modifying caregiver behavior. Music effectively reduces
anxiety and improves mood for medical and surgical patients, for
patients in intensive care units and patients undergoing procedures, and
for children as well as adults. Music is a low-cost intervention that often
reduces surgical, procedural, acute, and chronic pain. Music also improves
the quality of life for patients receiving palliative care, enhancing
a sense of comfort and relaxation. Providing music to caregivers
may be a cost-effective and enjoyable strategy to improve empathy,
compassion, and relationship-centered care while not increasing errors
or interfering with technical aspects of care.
Conclusion
Music plays a central role in all human cultures. It has
direct and indirect effects on physiology and clinical symptoms.
Carefully selected music can reduce stress, enhance a
sense of comfort and relaxation, offer distraction from pain,
and enhance clinical performance. Additional research is
needed to better define its optimal role in comprehensive,
cost-effective patient eare. With such research ongoing, music
therapy appears to be safe and likely helpful to a broad
spectrum of patients in diverse clinical situations.

anyway the authors of this article , Music as Therapy are Kathi J. Kemper and Suzanne C. Danhouer, for those with accesses to databases. The bibliography is really extensive (84 references) and contains many relevant articles.
Abstract: Music is widely used to enhance well-being, reduce stress,
and distract patients from unpleasant symptoms. Although there are
wide variations in individual preferences, music appears to exert direct
physiologic effects through the autonomic nervous system. It also has
indirect effects by modifying caregiver behavior. Music effectively reduces
anxiety and improves mood for medical and surgical patients, for
patients in intensive care units and patients undergoing procedures, and
for children as well as adults. Music is a low-cost intervention that often
reduces surgical, procedural, acute, and chronic pain. Music also improves
the quality of life for patients receiving palliative care, enhancing
a sense of comfort and relaxation. Providing music to caregivers
may be a cost-effective and enjoyable strategy to improve empathy,
compassion, and relationship-centered care while not increasing errors
or interfering with technical aspects of care.
Conclusion
Music plays a central role in all human cultures. It has
direct and indirect effects on physiology and clinical symptoms.
Carefully selected music can reduce stress, enhance a
sense of comfort and relaxation, offer distraction from pain,
and enhance clinical performance. Additional research is
needed to better define its optimal role in comprehensive,
cost-effective patient eare. With such research ongoing, music
therapy appears to be safe and likely helpful to a broad
spectrum of patients in diverse clinical situations.