What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (American Music Therapy Association, 2017).

Music Therapy Services include:

Active music engagement
Developmental stimulation through music
Movement to music
Music videos and audio recordings
Patient- or infant-directed singing
Songwriting
Therapeutic music instruction

These interventions can facilitate the following therapeutic outcomes:

Decreased stress and anxiety
Decreased pain perception
Improved self concept and confidence
Legacy building and memory making
Opportunity for developmental/academic advancement
Parent and caregiver psychosocial support
Positive and normalized social experience

Music Therapy at Texas Children's Hospital

Here at Texas Children’s Hospital, music therapists create a safe environment for patients and families to relax, have fun, learn, grow, and express themselves through music.

As part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team, our music therapists currently provide individual, group, and co-treatment sessions on the following inpatient units:

Acute Care
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Critical Care
Heart Center
Individual consults/referrals as available

The music therapy team is also happy to offer music therapy services to TCH staff in the form of the TCH Ukulele Choir and Good Grief Group. The Ukulele Choir practices weekly and often goes care-o-ling around TCH to lift the spirits of patients and visitors. We welcome new members at any time, no experience required! Good Grief Group is a music therapy support group for staff who experience grief in their roles at the hospital. For more information about either group, or to schedule a Ukulele Choir performance, please email musictherapy@texaschildrens.org.

Resources

Contact

Please contact musictherapy@texaschildrens.org to learn more about the Music Therapy Program.