Hospital Services » Music Therapy Program

Clinical Services

Using music as therapy can add comfort and a vehicle for expression and healing, for patients and loved ones. Music can reflect the many emotions one might feel, from anger to fear to sadness or joy. It is a powerful experience to tap into these emotions with the single expression of a song. Music can be the conduit that keeps a patient’s mind focused on healing and recovery. Clinical Music Therapy services are offered in various departments at the hospital and through Home Health Care and Hospice.

What Is Music Therapy?

A music therapist can address physical, psychological, emotional, social and/or cognitive challenges. The therapist uses a variety of techniques that might include instrument playing, singing, relaxation to recorded music, song writing, and improvisation. A music therapist needs to be responsive and adaptable to each patient’s unique needs and situation. A specific selection of music might effect one person in a very different way than it effects another person. People can also use specific music for different purposes (i.e. music to stimulate physical activity verses music for relaxation). A cold and unfamiliar hospital room can be warmed instantaneously by music. A person homebound by illness can use music to address issues of pain or loneliness.

Training for Music Therapy

Music therapists receive training at the BA, MA or PhD level. It includes advanced levels of training in music, psychology, physiology and music therapy techniques. After successful completion of a degree and clinical training, she or he is then eligible to sit for the Music Therapy Board Certification exam. Upon passing the exam they are granted the title MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified). WGH offers a  portion of their training. Music therapists must complete up to 1,200 hours of clinical training before they are eligible to sit for board certification exam.

Who Can Benefit From Music Therapy?

Music therapy can be helpful for the person who is dealing with Cancer, stroke, anxiety, facing surgery, respiratory distress, pain management, physical rehabilitation, cardiac conditions or other chronic illnesses.

How Can Music Therapy Help Me?

  • Management of pain that might be related to a variety of physical conditions.
  • Use of relaxation techniques to address anxiety or sleep difficulties.
  • Addressing nausea related to chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.
  • Enhancement of immune support systems.
  • Enhancement of quality of life.
  • Rehabilitation and other challenges. These services are generally provided in collaboration with OT, PT and/or SLP.
  • Addressing physical and/or speech needs related to Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, pulmonary
  • Facilitate expression and communication of feelings.
  • Addressing anxiety related to surgery.

How Do We Know Music Therapy Works?

Research studies have shown music to be effective in boosting the immune system, decreasing pain and/or anxiety, and enhancing relaxation. Music can also raise pain threshold and reduce use of sedative and analgesic drugs by as much as 50%. One study showed a reduction in anxiety that was equal to an additional dose of a tranquilizer. The surgeons concluded that music could be used with success, especially when used in combination with a regional anesthesia. Music also helped to reduce pre-surgery anxiety. Many studies have found that music is most useful to a client if it has been selected by, is preferred by and/or has meaning to the client. A music therapist can work with a client to select the music that will be most beneficial for their situation.

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