Music Therapists

Kids are inherently musical — it’s visible in the way they talk, move and process information. In an environment where children may have very little agency over what happens to them, music therapists provide individualized music experiences that promote regulation, control, and autonomy, while honoring individual dignity, identity, and values.   

Our team of board-certified music therapists at Lurie Children’s serves patients from birth to young adulthood on many inpatient medical units. 

What can a music therapist at Lurie Children’s do to support your child?  

• Emotional regulation, relaxation, and pain management: Music therapists may facilitate live music listening, music-making, and guided relaxation experiences. Your music therapist will individualize these experiences and can respond to your child's unique needs and physiological responses in real time. Reducing agitation and supporting relaxation can help your child's body focus on healing. 
• Choice, control and autonomy: Children and adolescents may often feel like things are happening "to" them when they are in the hospital, and this can cause distress or heightened emotions. When possible, children need opportunities to feel in control of their bodies and environment. Music therapy sessions can offer patients a safe space to practice autonomy, make choices, and be their most creative selves. 
• Coping and emotional processing: Hospitalization can bring up many different emotions, and everyone processes and responds to these emotions differently. Music therapists can provide both nonverbal and verbal musical experiences that allow your child to feel emotionally supported, adjust to their hospitalization or diagnosis, and/or process their feelings in whatever way works best for them. 
• Developmental support: While in the hospital, your child may be missing typical opportunities for play, social engagement, and development. Music therapists can support your child through individualized music- and play-based experiences focused on growth and development, positive sensory input, communication/social skills, movement, and a sense of normalcy while in the hospital. 
• Creative expression: Children are naturally musical, playful, and creative! Your music therapist can offer a variety of adaptive music experiences that encourage your child to express themselves however they are able. No prior musical experience is necessary for your child to receive music therapy. 

Music therapy sessions may involve active music-making, clinical improvisation, developmental and sensory music play, songwriting and/or composition, and receptive music experiences.   

Interested in supporting music therapy at Lurie Children’s? Check out our Amazon Wishlist.