Music

Preparing Music Before a Session

The logistics matter as much as the repertoire.

Written by: Ira ZootMedical review status: Pending clinical reviewLast updated: August 3, 2026Evidence: Educational guide - practical preparation

Quick answer

How should I prepare music before a ketamine session?

Download the playlist for offline playback, disable ads and autoplay, turn on do-not-disturb, calibrate volume in advance, charge every device, and confirm with your clinic whether your own music is permitted. In supervised settings, the clinic's protocol takes precedence.

Confirm the clinic's protocol first

Many clinics use their own curated program, generative systems such as Wavepaths, or specific headphone equipment. Ask before assuming you can bring your own.

Download for offline playback

Streaming interruptions, buffering, and ads are jarring. Offline files eliminate all three.

Silence everything else

Enable do-not-disturb, turn off notifications, and disable autoplay so the program ends where you intended rather than drifting into algorithmic recommendations.

Calibrate volume ahead of time

Set the level with the quietest track, then confirm the loudest passage is still comfortable. Perceived loudness can change during a session.

Have a fallback

A charged second device, or a short familiar backup program, prevents scrambling if something fails.