Jared Kurtin Music Therapy Program
The Jared Kurtin Music Therapy program is funded partly through the generous support of the Kurtin family, in honor of their son Jared who underwent treatment for cancer at Children's. Jared's mother, Deborah Kurtin says, "we realized early that when Jared was distressed, music was always a refuge that brought comfort and tranquility to his life. This was especially true during and after his cancer episode. We hope that music therapy can provide a respite to kids from their illnesses. We know Jared would support the program."
Music Therapy
Music therapy is the use of music to promote healing and enhance quality of life for their patient. When music is introduced into the therapeutic setting, it can have a profound effect on the body and psyche. Research shows the benefit of music therapy to assist in pain management, ease depression, promote movement, calm patients, and ease muscle tension.
At Children's, music therapists are available to assess and address the physical, emotional, cognitive, developmental, social and spiritual needs of a patient. They participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
Music therapy sessions are customized to the individual needs of each patient, based on the patient's preferences and physical and emotional state. A typical session may involve music listening, guided visualization, structured songs, song writing, clinical improvisation, or music assisted relaxation. Participants may choose to play, sing, direct or simply listen. A large number of easy-to-play instruments are made available.
Benefits
Music has been used for healing for thousands of years. Research shows that in the medical setting music therapy is able to provide a familiar and non-threatening means of addressing a wide range of needs.
For hospitalized children and adolescents music therapy can:
- Help children cope with the hospital experience
- Help children process and reduce trauma associated with illness and hospitalization
- Encourage self-expression about the illness and hospitalization
- Facilitate positive self-esteem and body image
- Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- Alleviate pain
- Regulate heart rate and blood pressure
- Improve breathing
- Promote a sense of independence and control
- Facilitate peer and family interaction
- Provide stimulation and/or relaxation
For patients in rehabilitation music therapy can also help:
- Strengthen motor skills and coordination
- Improve communication skills
- Strengthen cognitive skills and awareness
Clinical Services
Music therapy is provided when requested by the attending physician, a member of the nursing staff, a social worker, or a Child Life Specialist. Most sessions are provided to the patient as one-on-one visits in the patient's room. Parents and siblings are often encouraged to participate in sessions. As well there is a weekly music therapy group for teens.
Children's Music Therapist
Maya Charlton
MMT, MT-BC, has a Masters degree in music therapy from New York University and is certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Those who pass the national music therapy certification examination earn the credential Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC). Maya has extensive experience providing music therapy services to children and adolescents in medical and therapeutic settings.
Support Music Therapy at Children's
For more information about music therapy at Children's Hospital Oakland or to make a donation to the program please contact:
Maya Charlton, MA, MT-BC
Music Therapy Program Coordinator
Email: mcharlton at mail.cho.org
Phone: 510-428-3885 x 4025
Additional Resources: Music Therapy
Email pageLearn More
