Assessing Molecular Mechanisms and Effects of Music Therapy in Youth With Sickle Cell Disease Using Single-cell RNA-sequencing

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a 4-week music therapy (MT) intervention can reduce chronic pain and improve psychosocial outcomes in youth with sickle cell disease (SCD). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does MT reduce pain intensity, frequency of pain episodes, and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL)? * Does MT alter immune cell composition and gene expression in inflammatory pathways, as measured by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)? Researchers will compare participants randomized to music therapy versus a control condition to see if MT produces superior improvements in pain and psychosocial outcomes, and distinct molecular changes.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with SCD * English fluency (for survey completion) * Have access to a personal electronic device (e.g., phone, tablet) with access to the internet * Meet the criteria for chronic pain defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). IASP defines chronic pain as pain that is both: 1. Persistent or recurrent for ≥ 3 months 2. is associated with significant emotional distress or functional disability.30 Exclusion Criteria: * Major hearing deficiency or medical condition in which listening to music may be contraindicated (e.g., reflex epilepsy).