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Riley Children's Health

Music Therapy

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At Riley Hospital for Children, our music therapists take a holistic approach to patient care. Music is a powerful tool that can help achieve healthcare goals and support emotional well-being throughout hospitalization. Research shows the value of music therapy for helping people who are hospitalized feel better, heal faster and go home sooner.

What is music therapy?

Riley music therapists are a part of the hospital's care team and work closely with doctors, nurses and other therapists to develop treatment plans specially designed to meet individual and group goals. We understand hospitalization can be a difficult time and we’re here to partner with you to determine your goals for music therapy.

At Riley, music therapy can support a variety of goals such as:

  • Managing pain and encouraging relaxation
  • Reducing stress and managing anxiety
  • Rebuilding physical skills such as walking and talking
  • Building resilience and developing healthy coping
  • Creating moments of meaning while in the hospital
  • Supporting family bonding

Because no two people are the same, our therapists thoughtfully assess individual needs and work with you to determine what interventions are best suited for you.

A session might include:

  • Listening to music that is designed to help your body relax
  • Writing songs and finding lyrics that connect with you
  • Learning a new instrument
  • Recording music and your voice
  • Using rhythm to encourage movement
  • Playing music that enriches your development
  • Making music as a family

The Riley Cheer Guild Music Therapy Program is made possible by donor funding from the Riley Cheer Guild.

Music Therapy Staff

Our board-certified music therapists are highly trained professionals. They have completed degrees in music therapy, over 1,200 clinical hours, and passed a national exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Riley music therapists have completed specialized trainings to work with pediatric and maternal populations in order to provide the best care designed for you and your family.

Requesting Music Therapy

Requesting Music Therapy

Music therapy services are available to patients and caregivers currently inpatient at Riley Hospital. If you feel like you or your child could benefit from music therapy services while hospitalized, please ask your care team to put in an order for music therapy. Our team accommodates most consults within 2 business days, so we ask that your child's length of stay be longer than 3 days. If you have additional questions you are encouraged to email us rileymusictherapy@iuhealth.org.

Educational Opportunities

Educational Opportunities

Riley Hospital is a roster music therapy internship site through the American Music Therapy Association. Eligible music therapy students can learn more about the internship here. Riley also offers level 3 and level 4 music therapy practicum experiences depending on therapist availability.

Related Resources

Related Resources

The Music Therapy Program is housed within the Creative Arts Therapies department, which also includes the Art Therapy Program and the Dance/Movement Therapy Program.

For more information about the field of music therapy, please visit the website for the American Music Therapy Association. You can also visit the Riley Cheer Guild Music Therapy Program to learn more.

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Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2023-24

©2025 Riley Hospital for Children at
Indiana University Health
Find adult services at iuhealth.org


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