Music in its own right is a very effective form of therapy. When music is combined with massage it can create a relaxing atmosphere, block out conversation or other office noises from the next room, keep your clients from feeling obligated to talk to you, and even signal that an hour has come and gone.
For many clients, music is a way to personalize a massage session and increase satisfaction. I have fielded a lot of requests for different types of massage music over the years. I have been asked to play classical, ocean notices, Enya, anything but Enya, new age, Steve Halpern, rain forests, white noise, brown noise, Kenny G, Coldplay, Adele, Jewel, jazz, and even hard rock.
How important is music for some people? I remember one massage I received and the massage therapist told me they were going to play the radio because they could “only listen to so much classical music”. I felt a little annoyed by that choice; I would have preferred silence. Needless to say, I have not gone back there for another massage. Although a practitioner’s preference is important when choosing music, the client should be asked about their music preferences.
I have been a massage therapist for a long time (20 years!) and have found great albums in a lot of different places over the years. I have gone to Barnes and Noble, found some in the $1 spot at Target, dug some treasures up at Goodwill, and magically downloaded mp3’s from iTunes and Amazon. I have used CD players, my desktop, my laptop, my mp3 player, and my smartphone. If you have been a massage therapist for years and looking for something new, or just starting out and looking for a group of CD’s please your new clients- Here are a few of my (and my clients!) top choices for massage music in my tenure.
Michael Strening Jr.
Michael is a Chicago-based pianist who credits massage therapy with his return to music after suffering from severe wrist pain. Cool, huh? The best part is that his music is absolutely amazing! I wrote a full review of just his music here if you want to learn more about his story and music (Michael Strening Jr.). I highly suggest you check him out. He has three albums: “Falling Water”, “Mist and Sand” and “Winter”. You will have to buy them to figure out which one is best. Here is a hint; They are all great.
Check out “Mist and Sand” on Amazon
In 2021, he released a new Holiday album, “Winter” and it is terrific to play during the holidays in the massage room or at home. In his own words he “collected Holiday music from different parts of the world and different religious traditions, and then composed soothing interpretations of the holiday music for piano to meet the needs of massage therapists, yoga instructors, and anyone in need of relaxation and rejuvenation”. You can listen to a sample and find out how to get this album here, “Winter” by Michael Strening Jr.
“Calming Massage”
A great find at Goodwill. It’s a Lifescapes CD. If you remember these were found on end caps in Target. Regardless, it is a client favorite.
Listen to “Lifescapes: Calming Massage” on Amazon
Mozart for Relaxation”
My favorite of the classical series, I think. There is also Brahms, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, and Vivaldi for Relaxation. Each one has one operatic song that I have to de-select on my playlist though. Brahms and Beethoven are definitely other solid choices for those clients who like classical music.
Buy “Mozart for Relaxation” on Amazon
Check out “Mozart for Massage” 
“And Winter Came” – Enya
For cold days and nights in the Iowa winter, this is another one that also seems to warm up my massage room. Whether you love Enya or hate her due to your massage school’s failure to rotate CDs, she definitely has a presence in the massage music industry. She has some other great albums that you may want to check out also.
Listen to “And Winter Came” on Amazon
“Music for Healing” – Steve Halpern
Halpern is known as a sound healing expert in the New Age massage community. The first few times I listened to him, I thought this is a little weird, but I was enchanted. By the end of the CD, I felt very relaxed by the variety of sounds that came together perfectly. If you like New Age music, give Steve a try. This album has great reviews on Amazon.
Buy “Music for Massage” on Amazon
Healing Garden Series
These CDs are always a favorite in my office. I do not know how many times I have heard “I like this music”. Clients seem to be particularly fond of the Relaxation, Sleep Well, and Well-Being albums. The reviews are not that great on Amazon, but I still suggest you try them out if you can find them.
Marconi Union
If you have any clients that struggle with insomnia, or cannot seem to relax, the album, Weightless, on ambient music may just do the trick.
“Echos of Nature”
Unless your massage table is on the beach, you will inevitably get a request for “ocean noises”. People, especially those who like white noise, enjoy the natural music of the ocean. This recording is not too loud or fake like others I have encountered.
Brown Noise, White Noise, Fans, or Even Dishwasher Sounds
My favorite app for background noise is this White Noise app
What is your favorite massage album to listen to in your massage room?
Advanced Massage Techniques – Massage Continuing Education Provider.
Bonus Question!
What do you listen to when the massage music goes off?
I will go first. Right now I love Band of Horses, Guster, The Beatles, Wilco, and The Shins.
Questions about commercial use in your massage room? See this post about music in your massage room.
Massage therapist (not masseuse) is the up to date and preferred terminology please
Personally, there is nothing offensive about using the term masseuse to me. It is just the French translation of a female massage therapist.
I agree. Whatever inappropriate conclusions that come from the term masseuse are not only inaccurate but seem to have a sexist slant to them because I haven’t heard anyone take issue with the term masseur. It’s just a slightly more descriptive way of saying massage therapist, which may be helpful, especially in literary contexts. Great article, thank you so much for the valuable recommendations.
It certainly is a interesting topic and the rules seem to be slightly different in every country. However, if you need any royalty free relaxing massage music check out https://relaxingmusic.com/collections/massage . You can play any of it in your salon or therapy room without needing a music license.
That’s a nice list, good music for sure.
I’m in the music licensing business and just wanted to point out that often using music in commercial settings (like playing it in a spa or office or using it during massage) requires a special public performance license (the same license that bars and restaurants need to play music).
With that in mind we created a service that provides calming and relaxing music to businesses and individual entrepreneurs without the need to obtain the performance license.
See more: https://www.tunepocket.com/music-for-massage/
This music is exactly 5 minutes long and can be looped seamlessly. Download the audio at no cost and watch the video:
https://michaelfaeth.bandcamp.com/track/coil-yoga
https://youtu.be/L_JaakyPqWw
Please share with your favorite masseuse 🙂
I stumbled across this one the other day. I really like it and played it for a few clients today. they all fell asleep fast
https://youtu.be/DrPZhxSnVCA
I think it’s on Spotify and Amazon Music too.
Hi! Where is the best place to purchase streaming music that is legal for commercial use?
Excellent question! It does not seem to be easy to find a clear answer on this topic.
It’s pretty clear that Amazon, Spotify, Pandora are not for commercial use, even the paid accounts.
Sigh Tunes is made for massage therapists, there is a new playlist each month and you pay for the music.
From their site: “Royalty-Free
What about licensing and royalties? We love our artists! We pay them royalties, so you don’t have to. Your sighTUNES subscription fee covers everything.”
https://atpeacemedia.com/music/subscription
Thank you for blogging on best music for massage! Since I’m a mobile massage therapist I use YouTube. I find a huge assortment if Massage spa music there ❤
I’m a 13yr therapist writing music for other therapists & yogis ! Search: ‘Luiniss’ on Spotify/AppleMusic 🙂 https://open.spotify.com/artist/1fMm3Ojv3Q2uc7tHUJAHNW
Garth Stevenson has some great cello music!
David Darling has some great music to go through
Jane Winther: Soulbells and Voices
Miko Blossom: Peter Jack Rainbird
Nawang Khechhog: Sounds of Peace, great Tibetan music
Wish I could find more songs like this: Exile by Geoffrey Oryema, Excile
Thank you for all the suggestions!
Thanks for leading me to Michael Strening Jr, exactly the kind of thing I’m looking for.
Know of any other non synthesizer new-age music that is equally beautiful / relaxing ?
Perhaps some bansuri flute , violin ?
Hi Faith,
This site (Massage Toolbox) has tons of recommendations for music. I am sure you should be able to find some ideas there.
I really enjoy the ‘mystical’ music of Patrick Bernard.
Others include Anugama and Enya. I love ‘Spiritual Massage’ by Soulfood.
Target also have a good selection.
I think the right music or just silence is essential for the correct ambiance.
No music is better than awful music.
Oh and my personal favorite to listen to outside massage room – Bruce Springsteen
Thanks for the suggestion! I have been thinking about getting some new music. And I very much agree that no music is better than bad music.
Now I have to go listen to Glory Days.
My understanding is we can not use music unless it is for commercial use and the licensing fees have been paid (ie- a commercial streaming service). Otherwise, we are at risk of being sued for copyright infridgement. If you know this to not be true or alternatives then please share!
Ginger- This is becoming quite the issue and is still causing quite a bit of debate and misunderstanding.
Here is one you could use that should solve copyright problems – http://www.asomassagemusic.com/
I can’t tell you how many of my clients absolutely love Michael Strening Jr! Not to mention how much I enjoy working with his music in the background, so pleasant w/o being cheesy. I love being able to share his story of writing the music specifically for massage when clients inquire about the artist. Thank you!
I’ve always thought that staralfur by sigur ros is one od the best songs for massage.