Music Therapy

Music therapy is a powerful, non-invasive medium that creates unique outcomes. As patients in the hospital, children often experience fear and anxiety or a general lack of control. Music therapy addresses these and other needs by providing opportunities for patients to make independent choices and express themselves.

Music therapy sessions are designed to help patients and their families cope with hospitalization and improve patients' physical, psychological and emotional health. Services include individual, and group music therapy with patients and/or family members. Professional, trained music therapists use a variety of musical experiences to create a therapeutic relationship with the patient including songwriting, playing instruments, singing and listening to music.

Music Therapy Goals at Children's

• Reduction of anxiety/fear related to hospitalization or diagnosis
• Self-expression/Expression of feelings
• Enhancement of relaxation skills
• Legacy Creation/Memory Building
• Emotional Support
• Family Support
• Sibling Support
• Procedure Support
• Developmental/sensory stimulation

Music therapy interventions may involve:

• Lyric analysis/discussion
• Interactive music making
• Movement to music
• Singing
• Group sessions
• Songwriting/composition
• Music Listening
• Recording session
• Verbalization of feelings
• Verbal/grief processing

Making a Music Therapy Referral

Any patient, family member, or staff member is able to request an assessment for music therapy services. Please provide the following:

• Patient's name
• Age
• Diagnosis
• Current level of function
• Family dynamics/support
• Reason for referral
• Goals that need to be addressed

Contact Information

Lisa Jones, MA, MT-BC, GC-C
Music Therapist-Board Certified
Certified Grief Counselor
Areas of Specialty: Palliative Care, Grief (Camp Sol), Internship Director
214-456-8119
lisa.jones@childrens.com
Pager: 214-456-7441 (ID#18089)

Karen Norris, MS, MT-BC
Music Therapist-Board Certified
Areas of Specialty: Psychiatry
214-456-0702
karen.norris@childrens.com
Pager: 214-456-7441 (ID#23091)

Christina Stock, MA, MT-BC
Music Therapist-Board Certified
Areas of Specialty: GI, Renal, Neurosurgery, Trauma, General Pediatrics, Cardiology
214-456-3898
christina.stock@childrens.com
Pager: 214-456-7441 (ID#18888)

Annie Cross, MMEd, MT-BC
Music Therapist-Board Certified
Areas of Specialty: Oncology, Blood Disorders, Neurosurgery, NICU
214-456-3002
annie.cross@childrens.com
Pager: 214-456-7441 (ID#18435)

Additional Links

Music Therapy Internship
American Music Therapy Association

Music Therapy Internship

Our music therapy program is committed to providing quality education and training for future music therapy professionals. A basic description of the internship program and application process is included.

After evaluation of your completed application, letters of reference, and transcript, you may be contacted for an interview. Selection of interns is based on GPA, letters of recommendation, personal interview and musical skills. Preference will be given to students who have had experience in a hospital environment, either as a practicum student or volunteer.

If you are accepted as an intern at our hospital, your university will be required to engage in a contractual relationship with Children's Medical Center. You will also be required to furnish proof of a drug screen and criminal background check at the beginning of the internship. Additional pertinent information will be provided upon acceptance.

Application Process

Send the following materials to this address:

• Application (PDF)
• Complete official academic transcript from all universities attended
• Three letters of recommendation (non-relatives) addressing the clinical, communication and musical skills of the applicant
• Signed and dated statement of eligibility for internship from academic supervisor
• Current resume
• Essay of 500 words or less that answers the following questions:
  1. Why are you interested in becoming a music therapist?
  2. What is your philosophy of music therapy?
  3. What are your goals and expectations for this clinical internship?
  4. What strengths will you bring to this internship?
  5. What skills do you wish to enhance through this internship experience?