The Complete Guide to Music for Psilocybin Therapy: What to Play During Your Healing Journey

What Makes Music "Therapeutic" for Psilocybin Sessions

If you're preparing for psilocybin-assisted therapy, you may be wondering what kind of music can best support the process. Are there benefits to a certain song, and drawbacks to another?

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The Difference Between "Psychedelic Music" and "Music for Psychedelics"

Though rooted in psychedelia counterculture from the 1960s, music commonly termed “psychedelic music” or “psychedelic rock” has little to do with therapeutic use. While its experimental nature may emulate a psilocybin journey, it does not complement or assist the process. 

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Psychedelic Rock

• Designed to simulate altered states
• Often unpredictable and jarring
• Heavy use of distortion and abrupt transitions
• Can unintentionally elevate anxiety or distraction during therapy
  
  

Therapeutic Music

• Designed to support altered states already in progress
  Predictable, gentle progressions
• Clean, minimal, and emotionally stable
  Helps guide the emotional arc of the session
  
  

Key Insight: During psilocybin therapy, the brain becomes especially sensitive to sound. Carefully chosen music can serve as an anchor for the experience, supporting emotional release.

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The 5 Phases of Your Musical Journey

While not necessary, your music should ideally follow the natural rhythm of psilocybin’s effects. A phase-by-phase overview might include:

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Phase 1: Opening (0–60 minutes)

What's Happening: The medicine begins to take effect, and perception starts to shift.

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Guidelines:

• Tempo: 60–80 BPM (matches resting heart rate)
• Style: Ambient, gentle, inviting
• Avoid surprises in structure or volume
  
  

Suggested Tracks:

Brian Eno – Music for Airports

Harold Budd – The Pavilion of Dreams

Stars of the Lid – The Tired Sounds Of Stars of the Lid

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Phase 2: Ascent (60–120 minutes)

What's Happening: Effects intensify; deeper emotional material may arise.

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Guidelines:

• Slowly increasing complexity
  Sustained tones and textures
• Maintain soothing and predictable flow
  
  

Sample Artists:

• Max Richter – Selections from Sleep
• Ólafur Arnalds – Instrumental works
• Nils Frahm – Ambient piano compositions
  
  

Phase 3: Peak (2–4 hours)

What's Happening: The core therapeutic material surfaces here. The most profound experiences typically occur.

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Guidelines:

• Emotionally supportive without sudden shifts
• Classical, orchestral, and choral pieces excel
  
  

Clinically Used Works:

Samuel Barber – Adagio for Strings

Henryk Górecki – Symphony No. 3 (Symphony of Sorrowful Songs)

Arvo Pärt – Spiegel im Spiegel

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Phase 4: Descent (4–6 hours)

What's Happening: The intensity recedes and integration begins.

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Guidelines:

• Simplify musical structure
• Gentle world music or acoustic sounds work well
  
  

Recommended Sounds:

• Acoustic guitar instrumentals
  Native American flutes
• Tibetan singing bowls
  
  

Phase 5: Return (6+ hours)

What's Happening: A return to baseline awareness; grounding and reflection.

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Guidelines:

• Uplifting, familiar, and warm
  Vocals in the listener’s native language may be reintroduced
  
  

Suggested Tracks:

• Nick Drake – Pink Moon
• Iron & Wine – Acoustic selections
• Gentle modern folk instrumentals
  
  

Building a Psilocybin Therapy Playlist

Step 1: Calculate the Timing

Typical Timeline:

• Onset: 30–60 minutes
• Peak: 2–4 hours
• Total duration: 6–8 hours

Read more: Psilocybin Mushrooms: Onset Time, Duration, and How Long They Stay in Your System

Music Planning:

• At least 6 hours of continuous music
• Ideally 8 hours to include buffer
• Seamless transitions, without gaps or disruptions
  
  

Step 2: Choose a Foundation

Option A: Use Established Playlists

• Johns Hopkins official playlist (7 hours, 40 minutes)
• MAPS therapy selections
• Imperial College London protocols
  
  

Option B: Build a Custom Playlist
Follow these general principles:

1. No lyrics during the first five hours
2. Avoid abrupt shifts in tone or volume
3. Stay clear of songs tied to personal memories
4. Test transitions in advance
   
   

Step 3: Personalize with Care

Safe Areas to Customize:

• Selecting from proven ambient, classical, and world genres
• Adjusting phase lengths for individual pacing
• Adding natural soundscapes between tracks
  
  

Areas to Avoid Personalizing:

• Peak-phase music (should remain clinically validated)
• Tempo progression
• Overall emotional structure
  
  

For those feeling overwhelmed by the planning involved, it’s worth noting that state-licensed psilocybin retreat experiences with Odyssey include music that’s been expertly curated and optimized for each stage of the journey. This eliminates guesswork and ensures that each moment suits your therapeutic needs.

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An Example: Music Genres and Artists for Each Phase

Opening & Ascent:

• Electronic Ambient: Jon Hopkins, Boards of Canada, Biosphere
• Modern Classical: Erik Satie, Claude Debussy, Ludovico Einaudi
• Minimalist Ambient: Tim Hecker, William Basinski, A Winged Victory for the Sullen
  
  

Peak:

• Orchestral/Choral: London Symphony Orchestra (Barber, Górecki)
• Spiritual Minimalism: Arvo Pärt – Fratres, Spiegel im Spiegel
• Modern Classical: Max Richter, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Dustin O’Halloran
  
  

Descent & Return:

• Acoustic: José González, Andy McKee, Antoine Dufour
• World Music: Ravi Shankar, Ali Farka Touré, Anoushka Shankar
• Modern Folk: Bon Iver (instrumental versions), The Cinematic Orchestra
  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying on Favorite Songs

Why It’s Risky: Songs with strong personal associations can trigger memories that disrupt therapeutic focus.

Better Option: Save meaningful songs for post-session integration.

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Choosing Psychedelic Rock

Why It’s Risky: Music created to depict psychedelic experiences often lacks the stability needed for guiding one.

Better Option: Use music created with therapeutic intent and tested in clinical or ceremonial contexts.

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Using Unvetted Playlists

Why It’s Risky: Psilocybin reduces tolerance for unpredictability; surprising tracks can introduce anxiety.

Better Option: Pre-screen every track. Avoid unfamiliar songs or randomized streaming playlists.

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Including Lyrics Too Early

Why It’s Risky: Lyrics activate the language centers of the brain, interfering with emotional processing.

Exception: Native-language vocals may be gently introduced in the final hour.

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Playing Music with Intense Drops

Why It’s Risky: Dramatic rhythmic or bass shifts, common in EDM and pop, can evoke disorientation or panic.

Better Option: Substitute with ambient electronic music without sharp transitions.

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Your Action Plan: Getting Started

Pre-Session Checklist

Two Weeks Before:

• Prepare 8 hours of continuous music
• Test for smooth transitions
• Create backup playlists
• Use playlists during meditation to preview tone
  
  

One Week Before:

• Confirm sequence with facilitator
• Ensure offline access and device compatibility
• Prepare secondary playback device
  
  

Day Before:

• Fully charge devices
• Final review of track order
• Set up speakers or headphones
  
  

Playback Tips

Equipment:

• High-quality speakers for immersive sound
• 60–70% normal listening volume
• Headphones as a backup or personal choice
  
  

Session Notes:

• Start playlist 15 minutes before dosing
• Ensure facilitator has access to playback control
• Avoid skipping or switching tracks mid-session
• Volume adjustments only when necessary; do not pause abruptly
  
  

Free Resources & Playlist Tools

Recommended Playlists

Spotify:

• Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Research
• Mendel Kaelen Psilocybin
• MAPS Therapy Set (MDMA/psilocybin adaptable)
  
  

Apple Music:

• Music for Mushrooms – East Forest
• Psychedelic Therapy – Jon Hopkins

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Playlist Apps

• Wavepaths – AI-generated therapy music
• Endlesss – Loop-based ambient creator
• Brain.fm – Functional audio for focus and calm
  
  

Session Support

• Insight Timer – Guided meditations
• Trip App – Psychedelic harm reduction
• Field – Journal and document integration insights
  
  

Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Pre-screen and time playlists
• Keep music instrumental until final hour
• Maintain consistent volume
• Include nature sounds for grounding
• Choose tested, clinical selections
  
  

Don’t:

• Use shuffle mode
• Choose music based on nostalgia
• Introduce lyrics early
• Make changes mid-journey
• Stop playback abruptly
  
  

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the song you choose, music isn’t just background sound in psilocybin therapy. The right playlist provides emotional scaffolding for deep healing and helps shape the trajectory of the journey.

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Next Steps 

Begin by listening to established playlists from institutions like Johns Hopkins or MAPS. As your understanding grows, you may feel more confident curating a personalized musical journey that supports your unique path.

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If a guided experience provides the most personal solace, state-licensed experiences with Odyssey include expertly designed playlists tailored to support each stage of your healing process.

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This guide is for educational purposes only. Always consult licensed facilitators and follow all applicable laws and regulations regarding psilocybin use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my regular meditation music? Sometimes. Familiar meditation music may work well in the opening phase, but it often lacks the emotional richness needed during the peak. Reserve it for the first hour.‍

What if I don’t enjoy classical music? That’s completely okay. Under psilocybin, your perception changes significantly. Music that may seem uninteresting can become deeply moving in session.

Should I use headphones or speakers? Most users prefer speakers for a spacious feel. Headphones may be helpful for deeper introspection or when privacy is needed.

Can I change the music mid-session? Not recommended. Changes should only be made with guidance, and volume should be lowered gradually before introducing anything new.

Are binaural beats helpful? They can be during the opening phase, but are generally overstimulating during the peak and are best avoided in those hours.

Is silence ever appropriate? Short intentional silences (5–10 minutes) can be helpful for transitions. Prolonged silence may lead to anxiety.

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Key Citations

Kaelen, M., et al. "The Hidden Therapist: Evidence for a Central Role of Music in Psychedelic Therapy." Psychopharmacology, vol. 235, no. 2, 2018, pp. 505-519.

Kaelen, M., et al. "LSD Modulates Music-Induced Imagery via Changes in Parahippocampal Connectivity." European Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 26, no. 7, 2016, pp. 1099-1109.

Barrett, F. S., et al. "Emotions and Brain Function are Altered Up to One Month After a Single High Dose of Psilocybin." Scientific Reports, vol. 10, no. 1, 2020.

Carhart-Harris, R. L., et al. "The Entropic Brain: A Theory of Conscious States Informed by Neuroimaging Research with Psychedelic Drugs." Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, vol. 8, 2014.

Belser, A. B., et al. "Patient Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis." Journal of Humanistic Psychology, vol. 57, no. 4, 2017, pp. 354-388.

Griffiths, R. R., et al. "Psilocybin Produces Substantial and Sustained Decreases in Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Life-Threatening Cancer." Journal of Psychopharmacology, vol. 30, no. 12, 2016, pp. 1181-1197.

Preller, K. H., et al. "The Fabric of Meaning and Subjective Effects in LSD-Induced States Depend on Serotonin 2A Receptor Activation." Current Biology, vol. 27, no. 3, 2017, pp. 451-457.

Roseman, L., et al. "Quality of Acute Psychedelic Experience Predicts Therapeutic Efficacy of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression." Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 8, 2017.

Studerus, E., et al. "Acute, Subacute and Long-Term Subjective Effects of Psilocybin in Healthy Humans." Journal of Psychopharmacology, vol. 25, no. 11, 2011, pp. 1434-1452.

Vollenweider, F. X., Preller, K. H. "Psychedelic Drugs: Neurobiology and Potential for Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders." Nature Reviews Neuroscience, vol. 21, no. 11, 2020, pp. 611-624.

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