Music therapists create a safe, inviting environment where patients and families can relax, have fun, express themselves and explore their thoughts and feelings through music. Our highly-trained music therapists work with your child’s treatment team to provide the best possible care.
Part of that care may include music therapy designed specifically for each child’s needs. The Riley Cheer Guild 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:
- Singing
- Writing songs
- Playing instruments
- Music Videos/ Recordings
- 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
Related Programs
Related Support Services and Resources
American Music Therapy Association. This association for credentialed music therapists has information about the benefits using music as an intervention for better health.
American Psychological Association. This association for psychologists, researchers and clinicians explains the therapeutic effects of music.
Locations
Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
705 Riley Hospital Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317.944.5000
Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health North Hospital
1700 N. Meridian Street
Carmel, IN 46032
317.688.2000
Refer a Patient
Physicians, healthcare providers or family members can contact the music therapy staff by emailing rileymusictherapy@iuhealth.org.
Related Research
Researchers at the Indiana University School of Nursing explore the effects of music and art on children and young adults who are receiving end-of-life palliative care. They also study families with children recovering from cancer to better understand factors that influence their resiliency.
Related Education
The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapies Department at Riley at IU Health offers 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.