Where does music therapy happen?
Our music therapy program serves many different areas of the hospital, including:
Music Therapy
At OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois, music therapy helps children and teens heal and cope with hospitalization through the power of music. This inpatient-only service uses music-based experiences tailored to each child’s needs and preferences. Whether your child is managing pain, anxiety, stress or emotional challenges during a hospital stay, music therapy can provide comfort, connection and a sense of control.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy uses music-based activities to support health, well-being and development. Trained professionals provide inclusive, research-based care in diverse settings.
Benefits of Music Therapy
Music therapy supports children during hospitalization by addressing the whole person. Through music, these therapeutic experiences can improve comfort, encourage self-expression, give children a feeling of control and create meaningful moments for children and families throughout their inpatient stay.
Reducing Pain and Anxiety
Hospital stays, medical procedures and unfamiliar environments can cause stress and discomfort. Music therapy helps patients relax, focus on something positive and reduce feelings of anxiety. Music-based interventions may also help support pain management and improve the overall hospital experience.
Supporting Emotional Expression and Coping
Children and teens may have difficulty expressing their feelings during illness or treatment. Music therapy provides a safe, creative outlet to process emotions, build resilience and develop healthy coping strategies. It can also help kids feel empowered and in control of their situation.
Encouraging Developmental and Cognitive Growth
For infants, children and teenagers, music-based activities can support developmental goals while they are in the hospital. Music therapy can encourage attention, memory, learning and engagement, helping patients continue to grow and interact with the world around them during their inpatient stay.
Building Social Connection and Communication
Music creates opportunities for connection. Music therapy can help children communicate, interact with family members and engage with their care environment in meaningful ways. Shared musical experiences often foster positive moments that strengthen relationships and support emotional well-being during hospitalization.
Music and Healing: What Interventions Look Like
Every session is tailored to your child's needs during hospitalization. Interventions may include listening to music, singing, playing instruments, songwriting or music-assisted coping techniques. Whether reducing anxiety, supporting emotional expression or providing a sense of normalcy, music therapy uses the connection between music and healing to support your child. Participation is always optional.
