Music Therapy for Hospitalized Children

Music therapy is a relational therapy in which the development of rapport and relationship can be facilitated quickly through musical interactions with children and their families in a hospital setting. Once this rapport is established the therapist can then support the child and family, meeting a child's needs relating to rehabilitation, pain management, psychosocial care, or family issues. Music therapists use musical improvisation, music listening, musical composition such as song stories, or writing of songs, and any other music interactions initiated by the child to support and attain positive changes in mood, psychological state, pain report, or social interaction with others (Bradt 2013; Edwards 2005; Edwards and Kennelly 2011; Loewy 1997; Robb 2003). The music therapist works with the child and family at bedside, in a specialist treatment room, or in a group context, depending on the needs of the child and family, and the type of work required.