Music truly can be therapy
Did you know music therapy is backed by science? That’s why many hospitals have board-certified music therapists to help both children and adults during their stay.
Music therapists provide clinical and evidence-based music interventions to help patients reach their individualized treatment goals.
“Whether working with a guitar, ukulele, keyboard or just their voice, music therapists choose lyrics, rhythms and melodies that suit the child’s condition and music taste,” says Emma Anderson, a board-certified music therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “From lullabies to Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, classical or rap, we always use the patient’s preferred music.”
Even tiny babies in the NICU and young children in the PICU can benefit from the healing power of music. Music therapists can soothe an agitated infant with their touch and voice. They may also support the infant’s developmental goals, like building strength.
“We’ll sometimes have babies grasp small instruments to work on fine or gross motor skills,” Anderson explains. “They can also engage in social connection through eye contact and tracking a therapist’s voice and guitar.”
Teens also benefit. Music therapists often have group sessions for teens that focus on analyzing lyrics to popular songs or creating their own songs. Experimenting with words and music is another way to help them build a feeling of control over their surroundings and their medical conditions.
Music therapists also help parents learn ways to get involved, such as singing a lullaby or playing a musical instrument for their child.
Another added benefit is that children often find musical therapists a comforting presence as they become familiar faces at the hospital.
“We build relationships with kids who come back often, which can be reassuring as they face the unknown,” Anderson says.
Overall, hospital stays don’t have to be scary. Music therapists are there to provide children and their families guidance and encouragement along the way.
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About the Author
Jo Linsley, a health enews contributor, is a freelance copywriter at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. With decades of experience in writing and editing, she continues to aspire to concise and inspiring writing. She also enjoys knitting and singing as creative outlets and for their meditative qualities.
