
Music therapists create individualized treatment plans to help Riley at IU Health patients and families cope with their hospital experience. Music interventions may focus on distress tolerance, functional skill reinforcement and/or resilience.
Our highly trained music therapists work with your child’s care team to provide the best possible care. No prior experience with music is necessary in order to benefit from music therapy. Our Music Therapy Program is generously funded by the Riley Cheer Guild.
Board-certified music therapists carry the MT-BC designation after their name. They have completed a degree in music therapy, a six-month internship and have passed a national examination administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Some music therapists continue their education in master s degrees and doctoral programs in music therapy or a related field.
Music therapy interventions may include:
- Playing instruments
- Writing songs
- Singing
- Making Music Videos/ Recordings
- Music Improvisation
- Listening to music
- Learning to play new instruments
- Music assisted movement
Music therapy goals can benefit children in the following ways:
- Help decrease pain
- Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- Improve physical, cognitive, and speech-language rehabilitation
- Support developmental and educational needs
- Provide appropriate infant stimulation
- Provide family support
- Provide grief and bereavement support
- Increase positive coping with hospitalization
Requesting Music Therapy Services
Requesting Music Therapy Services
Physicians, healthcare providers or family members can contact the music therapy staff by emailing rileymusictherapy@iuhealth.org.
Related Education
Related Education
The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapies Department at Riley at IU Health offer occasional internship opportunities and career education for students who are interested in child life, music therapy or art therapy. If you are interested in learning more about related education, check this page for updates about internships and scheduled educational events or send us an email at rileymusictherapy@iuhealth.org.