Music therapy is the use of clinical and evidence-based music interventions by a credentialed professional. Music therapists are educated and clinically trained to provide support to patients and their families with the use of specified music intervention. At the Elliot Hospital, patients and families admitted on the pediatric unit may have the opportunity to engage in live music making during hospitalization as a way to promote activity, reduce anxiety and help patients cope during illness or injury. Active music listening experiences may also be utilized to help promote relaxation and sleep and/or provide a calming support for patients and families. On the NICU music therapy can help support neurologic development, foster family interactions, and promote relaxation by providing live singing right at bedside.
Music therapy interventions during hospitalization can include:
The music therapy program at Elliot Hospital is supported by the Ukulele kids club, a foundation that believes in helping hospitalized kids just be kids through the power of music. The Ukulele kids club provides a generous donation of ukuleles to the pediatric unit for use in ukulele lesson and independent patient play. To learn more about Ukulele Kids Club, make a donation or access free resources please visit the foundation website at https://theukc.org/