Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions. These interventions accomplish individualized treatment goals within a therapeutic relationship and setting. Music Therapists are credentialed professionals who have completed an approved music therapy program.

For more information on music therapy please visit The American Music Therapy Association ;and Mid-Western Music Therapy Association

Goals of Music Therapy?

At St. Louis Children's Hospital, we use music for non-musical goals including but not limited to:

• Gross Motor Goals (walking patterns, movement through song choice, etc.)
• Fine Motor Goals (using musical instruments to strengthen and tone)
• Oral Motor Goals (enhance respiration rates through the use of musical instruments)
• Cognitive Goals (lyric completion, memory recall, etc.)
• Psychosocial Goals (self-esteem and expression)

Who receives Music Therapy?

• Music Therapists work as primary therapists within a treatment team, which include doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, child life specialists, physical, occupational and speech therapists, chaplains, and social workers.
• Music Therapists at St Louis Children’s Hospital work with patients of all ages in individual sessions or dyads/small groups (which may include siblings, family members, and/or friends, if relevant to the treatment goals of the patient in the hospital setting).

Meet our Music Therapists