Welcome Older Adults Developmental Delay Medicine Psychiatry Links Music Therapy and Medicine Music therapy in the medical setting serves many functions. Music Therapy and Socialisation Adults and children in hospital may experience isolation from home, family, work, school and friends. When people are in long term hospital care, family and friends could make a tape of music for their loved one as a way of being with them when they cannot physically come and visit.
Music therapy can provide opportunities for socialisation for both inpatients and outpatients.
Song writing, improvising, singing familiar songs, listening to familiar songs and preferred music are techniques employed by the music therapist to encourage emotional expression, provide stimulation, and opportunities to respond, initiate and use abilities. Opportunities for family and friends to participate in musical experiences with the client can help both the client and their loved ones feel supported. Such opportunities also allow the loved one to see the patient doing something positive and something that they are able to do. Music Therapy and Motor Skills Illness or diagnosis of a disorder may incur physical disability or exhaustion making physical tasks difficult. Rhythm in music can provide a steady, auditory cue, which can help with motor planning and movement.