Music for Anxiety Relief in Just 24 Minutes

You might have noticed that different kinds of music can lift your spirits. But did you know that listening to specific types of music can help reduce anxiety?

A recent study conducted by TMU psychology professor Frank A. Russo and Ph D student Danielle Mullen discovered that just 24 minutes of specially crafted music can lead to a noticeable decrease in anxiety levels.

The music used in the research was combined with auditory beat stimulation (ABS) – a technique that employs unique sound patterns aimed at calming your brain.

“For people who don’t have access to traditional therapy and medications, this is a great alternative,” said Mullen, who led the study. “Some medications may take weeks before showing positive effects. Music provides an affordable option that can be incorporated into treatment plans when individuals seek quick relief.”

How it works

To explore different doses of music, Mullen and professor Russo collaborated with LUCID, a health tech company founded by TMU grad Aaron Labbé (new media ’18).

LUCID created instrumental tracks mixed with natural sounds and theta-band ABS.

Participants listened to playlists of varying lengths. The music was designed to reflect how listeners felt at the start, then gradually guide them toward a more relaxed state.

The findings were clear: music paired with ABS consistently lowered both mental and physical symptoms of anxiety.

<p“What's evident is a dose-response pattern where roughly 24 minutes of ABS music appears to be ideal,” said professor Russo. “It’s long enough to make a real difference in anxiety levels, but not so lengthy that listeners need to find significant time for it.”

Affordable and accessible support

Professor Russo hopes this type of music therapy will soon be available for TMU students awaiting counseling appointments. It could serve as a tool for managing anxiety while they wait for their sessions to begin.

This approach is accessible through LUCID’s web app called Vibe (external link). The app features both free and paid options that assist users in handling their emotions using music and ABS technology. Russo acts as the chief science officer for the company.

“The aim of Vibe isn’t to replace clinical care but rather provide an easy-to-use tool that people can utilize daily-whether they feel anxious, overstimulated, or just need a moment to reset,” explained Labbé, co-founder and chief technology officer at LUCID.

The next steps for research

Mullen started working with professor Russo on this clinical trial while she was finishing her master’s degree in England. The Texas native joined TMU in fall 2025 to continue collaborating with professor Russo on her Ph D dissertation.

She aims to investigate whether the effects of the music persist over time. For instance, does it still help reduce anxiety if someone listens to the same playlist repeatedly?

Additionally, other research questions may include examining whether daily use versus occasional use is more effective, determining the best volume level for listening, and exploring if this intervention could aid in treating other mental health issues like depression or insomnia.

“I’m really excited about this work,” said Mullen.

“I hope those facing these challenges realize there’s a large community here who understands them and wants to help. That’s what truly drives us-to improve people’s quality of life by providing more accessible treatment options,” she noted.

A Zone Network success story

LUCID originated when Aaron Labbé faced his own mental health struggles. His undergraduate thesis focused on using music as an intentional intervention strategy.

After completing his studies, Labbé became involved with TMU’s Transmedia Zone where he turned his research into an actual product. He found space there for development, sought guidance from mentors like professor Russo, and connected with his co-founders through the Zone’s network.

“The Zone fostered an exceptional environment where creative research mixed well with technical advancement without pushing early commercialization,” stated Labbé.

“It also gave me assurance that interdisciplinary ideas-especially those bridging art, science, and technology-could be taken seriously and supported. That perspective shaped how LUCID grew from its inception continues influencing our collaborative efforts today,” he added.

Investigating the dose-response relationship between music and anxiety reduction: A randomized clinical trial (external link), was in PLOS Mental Health on January 21, 2026.

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