What is Music Therapy?

Eric Mammen, MT-BC Child Life Department emammen@choc.org X:1665

Music Therapy
Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.

A Music Therapy Session is Not

Entertainment
A Special Event A Performance A Concert

Benefits of Music Therapy

Promote wellness and quality of life Manage stress and fear Alleviate pain Express feelings Increase verbal and nonverbal

communication Promote gross and fine motor movements

Music Therapy is the component of the interdisciplinary team that uses musical experiences and activities in a skilled manner by a trained and board certified music therapist to achieve non-musical goals

Who is a Music Therapist?

A Board Certified Music Therapist Must

Complete an approved college music

therapy curricula Complete a supervised internship program Successfully pass the national exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists Maintain and prove continued competency skills in music therapy practices

Benefits of the Music Therapy Program Here at CHOC

Create individualized and group programs for the patients to aid and complement their overall healing process

Some Examples of Music Therapy Treatment Plans

Physical Benefits
Fine Motor
Gross Motor
Grasping, Hand Eye Coordination,

Breath Control

Range of Motion, Marching, Drumming

-Singing, Whistles and Flutes Pain Management and Relaxation

Focused and Active Listening Experiences

Cognitive Benefits
Procedural Education Mental Stimulation Facilitate change in thought processes Increase Communication Skills Memorization of Songs/Activities Provide songs of hope and victory

Social Emotional Benefits

Expression of Fear and Negative Feelings
-Song Writing, Musical Improvisation

Self Awareness
-Lyrical Analysis and Writing

Positive Experiences
-Radio Lollipop, Group Experiences

Increase Quality of Life

-Normalization, Sibling Interactions, Fun and Laughter

Instruments Used
Guitar Keyboard, Piano Various Rhythm Instruments Whistles, Flutes Scarves or Ribbons Lyrical Sheets Laptop Computer

Vision of the Music Therapy Program at CHOCThe opportunity to provide music therapy services to children of all ages who need assistance in pain management, motor development, coping skills, emotional support, or self expression.

Goals of the Music Therapy Program at CHOCGrow the current afternoon music therapy program into an all day program that will enable more children to explore and have the opportunity to participate in both individual and group music therapy sessions.

Goals of the Music Therapy Program at CHOCThe music therapy program would also like to allow the older children and adolescent patients the opportunity for self expression and positive self esteem possibilities by incorporating a song writing and recording component of the program that may be played on Radio Lollipop.

Questions, Comments, or Suggestions Please Call or email Eric Mammen emammen@choc.org x1665