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.  Music Therapy uses the power of music to address cognitive, sensory, motor, communication, cognitive and social/emotional needs of clients. Studies show the many benefits of music therapy given by a credentialed professional.

“Everything we do in Music Therapy at Ranken Jordan is purposeful. It’s rewarding to see the improvements in patients through Music Therapy.”

 

— Mary Hitchcock-Reinhart, MT-BC

At Ranken Jordan, children of all abilities are able to participate in and benefit from Music Therapy. This includes children who are on ventilators or have other health challenges. Our Music Therapist adapts music to age and developmental levels and physical abilities as well as musical interests so Music Therapy can benefit all children.

 

Music Therapy uses techniques that aim to stimulate brain function controlling movement, cognition, speech, emotions and the senses. At Ranken Jordan, Music Therapy may include creating, singing, moving to music and/or listening to music. It also often involves playing a musical instrument, even if a child has no formal training. We go the extra mile to ensure every child can enjoy Music Therapy safely and receive the maximum benefit from it.

 

Patients participate in Music Therapy as a group or in individual sessions depending on their needs. Group sessions include toddler music and movement, sensory/relaxation for various ages, and social/leisure. Music therapy has a dedicated room at the hospital, which gives children another opportunity to get out of their rooms and experience other parts of the building.

Music engages the whole brain. Because most children and adolescents enjoy music, Music Therapy tends to hold their interest and actively engage them for positive results.

 

At Ranken Jordan, we take a holistic approach to caring for children. Our Music Therapist is Board Certified (MT-BC), is fellowship trained in Neurologic Music Therapy, and has extensive experience in Music Therapy. Music Therapy complements other therapies to help children reach rehabilitation goals, coping goals, and developmental goals. Our Music Therapist’s expertise in Neurologic Music Therapy is at the heart of each session as she partners with Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy teams as well as Recreational Therapists and Child Life Specialists.

 

Examples of Music Therapy goals and how Music Therapy partners with other therapies:

 

 Cognitive – increasing attention span, following directions, increasing memory and recall, patterns – attending to, recognizing, and imitating; understanding cause and effect, making choices, enhancing learning about a specific topic, building vocabulary, playing peek-a-boo, increasing creativity, increasing reading skills

 

Sensory – responding to auditory stimulus, responding to tactile stimulus, tracking objects using sight and sound

 

Fine Motor – reaching for objects, grasping, bringing objects together at midline, transferring of objects from one hand to another, clapping

 

Gross Motor – increasing movement and range of motion with upper and lower extremities, encouraging movement of and correct position of head, developing an internal steady beat, providing steady beat for gait training, motivator for position changes and weight bearing

 

Speech/Language – imitating sounds, improving articulation, increasing breath control and strength, learning facial expressions, tolerating speaking valve, increasing use of augmentative communication device, regaining ability to speak

 

Social/Emotional – leisure skill building, enabling a smooth transition from hospital to home, allowing for a more pleasant hospital environment, increasing self-esteem, creating a sense of independence, expressing emotions, preparing for surgery or procedure, making eye contact, displaying appropriate social skills, using socially appropriate language, taking turns, experiencing a sense of trust with adults

 

Distraction – during: procedures, activities of daily living, physical therapy, passive range of motion, illness, pain, positions and position changes

 

Breakthroughs in progress reinforce the value of music therapy at Ranken Jordan.