Creating a Music Volunteer Program in a Pediatric Hospital: A Manual
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Author
Plume, Jennifer
Date
2012
Degree
Master of Arts in Music Therapy
Abstract
Evidence-based research and anecdotal support has demonstrated the positive effects of
music on hospitalized children. Characteristics such as pain, isolation, loss of control,
anxiety, and depression are common among children who are hospitalized (Adams, 1976;
Blumgart & Korsch, 1964; Ghetti & Walker, 2008; Goldberger, Mohl, & Thomson,
2009; Robb, 1999; Robb, 2000; Robb, 2003; Taylor, Boyer, & Campbell, 2008). Music
has been shown to help these children cope with hospitalization and decrease these
symptoms (Barrerea, Rykov, & Doyle, 2000; J.A. Klassen, Yuanyuan, Tjosvole, T.P.
Klassen, & Hartling, 2008; Longhi, 2008; S. Nilsson, Kokinsky, U. Nilsson, Sidenvall, &
Enskar, 2009; Robb, 2000; Robb & Ebberts, 2003a, 2003b; Pfaff, Smith, & Gowan,
1989; Sahler, Hunter, & Liesveld, 2003). According to the American Music Therapy
Association (2011) there are not enough music therapists employed by pediatric hospitals
to reach all of the children who might benefit from music interaction. This project serves
to provide a comprehensive manual on creating a music volunteer program under the
supervision of a board certified music therapist. Step by step guidance, training, and
supervision guidelines are provided for the music therapist in addition to materials and
activity suggestions for the volunteer. A music volunteer program is a way to safely and
ethically help hospitalized children using music provided by well-trained and closely
supervised music volunteers.