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Music Therapy

The Music Therapy Program at Children's Mercy provides music specifically planned for each child and family's needs by a trained professional. Our music therapists have graduate or undergraduate degrees in music therapy, have completed 1,200 hours in clinical internship and practicums, and are board certified. Music therapists are board certified through the Certification Board for Music Therapists, and complete continuing education to maintain certification. 

Why music therapy is helpful


Exposure to music in the hospital setting is a great way to help children relax, and to make the hospital more normal and comfortable. Music therapy can also help your child reach other goals related to chronic pain, physical rehab, respiration, and cardiac conditions. Other benefits include:

  • Giving your child ways to express feelings

  • Helping manage pain and discomfort

  • Helping your child cope during medical procedures

  • Improving your child's mood

  • Helping your child learn and grow

  • Decreasing stress and anxiety for the entire family

Program highlights

 

  • Individual patients are referred for music therapy by their physicians, nurses, child life specialists, or other staff.

  • Music therapists will plan special music tasks based on the needs of the individual patient.

  • Patients take an active role in making music, and families and siblings can take part when appropriate.

  • Infants can receive music therapy to help them use their senses (hearing, seeing, touching, etc.) and to support growth and development.

  • Music therapy services are available for patients in the hospital on the Adele Hall campus Monday through Friday.

Music Therapy Internship Program

The Music Therapy Internship Program at Children's Mercy is committed to providing a quality learning experience that will enable the student to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to be an effective professional music therapist in a pediatric health care environment.