What is Music Therapy Children’s Hospital Oakland has the largest pediatric music therapy program in the Bay Area. Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland is a leader in creative medical treatment options with the first established pediatric Music Therapy program in the Bay Area. The Jared Kurtin Music Therapy Program Benefits of Music Therapy For hospitalized children and adolescents music therapy can: For patients in rehabilitation, music therapy helps: 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. Music Therapy Sessions 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 Therapists Contact Maya Charlton, MA, MT-BC Additional Resources: Music Therapy Support Music Therapy at Children's
Music Therapy is a clinical and evidence-based program for hospitalized infants, children, and their families. Research shows that like medicine, music therapy has a physiological effect when introduced into the therapeutic setting. In the hands of trained therapists, music can be used to promote healing and enhance the quality of life for patients.
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 is prescribed for children who are unable to verbalize their feelings, fears, or concerns and used to promote rehabilitation and healing.
At Children’s Hospital Oakland, trained music therapists assess and address the physical, emotional, cognitive, developmental, social and spiritual needs of our patients.
Music therapists
are an integral part of the care team participating in treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow-up.
Based on the patient's preferences and physical and emotional state, music therapy sessions are customized to each patient's individual needs. 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.
Senior Music Therapist
Maya Charlton has a Masters degree in music therapy from New York University and is certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) as a Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC). Maya directs The Jared Kurtin Music Therapy Program and provides services in Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neo-Natal intensive Care.
MT-BC, Music Therapist
Carrie Davoli has a Master’s degree in music therapy from Drexel University and is a professional singer/songwriter. Carrie provides music therapy services in our Rehabilitation Department and Surgical unit, and leads a weekly group for teens.
For more information about music therapy at Children's Hospital Oakland, please contact:
Music Therapy Program Coordinator
Email: mcharlton at mail.cho.org
Phone: 510-428-3885 x 4025
To learn more about how to support this program:
Ken McKinney
(510) 428-3836
MusicTherapy@mail.cho.org
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