Music therapy is an established allied health profession where music and music activities are used to address physical, psychological, cognitive and social needs of individuals. It is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.
Music therapy has demonstrated dramatic effect on individuals of various ages and abilities. It is applicable but not limited to critical care, developmental disabilities, emotional trauma, geriatric care, hearing/speech & language/visual impairment, neonatal care, obstetrics, cancer and physical disabilities. In hospital inpatient care, music can be used to alleviate pain in conjunction with anesthesia or pain medication, elevate patients’ mood and counteract depression, promote physical rehabilitation, induce sleep, reduce muscle tension for relaxation and maintain a person’s quality of life.
Children, adolescents, adults, premature infants in neonatal intensive care and elderly with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and acute and chronic pain, as well as mothers and infants in postnatal care can benefit from music therapy.
All music therapists at SGH have a degree from a recognized university, registered or certified by professional music therapy organization from the country of training and are registered members of the Association for Music Therapy (Singapore).
Music to the Ears
Outpatient: This is an individualized music therapy treatment programme specially designed for hearing impaired children. Sessions are conducted either in group or one-to-one depending on individual needs. Some of the goals for hearing impaired children include but not limited to:
- Auditory development
- Speech and language development
- Pitch and rhythm perception
- Social skills development
- Preacademic skills development
- Pre-musical skills development in preparation for ABRSM music syllabus
Inpatient: This programme is specially designed for young children who are admitted to SGH for Cochlear Implant Surgery. The aim is to reduce hospitalization trauma in young children and family by music activities to engage a child and elicit positive feelings. This lead to the reduction of distress and increase play activity, which in turn helps the young child cope with hospital environment.
Music for Special Learners
This programme is designed for children with Austism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay and other developmental/intellectual disabilities. Some of the goals include but not limited to:
- Speech and language development
- Social skills development
- Motor skills development
- Preacademic skills development
Music for Babes
- Inpatient NICU-MT:
This programme is specially designed for premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Offered by a US-Certified neonatal intensive care unit music therapist, the programme provides multimodal stimulation to neonates, resulting in shorter hospital stay, increased tolerance for stimulation, promotes bonding and empowers parents.
- Inpatient postnatal bonding techniques with music:
This 45 minutes session is specially designed for mothers in the postnatal ward. Parents will be empowered with skills and knowledge in the application of music and massage in bonding with their newborn. Information on music selection as well as song list will be provided.
- Outpatient Little Angels Group:
This baby group programme is specially designed for babies born with disabilities or identified to be at risk for developmental delays.
Music for Life
This programme is for individuals who are admitted in SGH and experiencing pain or depression due to medical condition(s) or procedures, which include but not limited to surgery, chemotherapy, burns and transplant. The ultimate goal is to promote quality of life while warded in SGH.
Public Education
The music therapist gives talks and conducts workshops to various professionals in healthcare settings, schools as well as private organizations.
Other Services
Co-treatment with speech therapist, physiotherapist, auditory-verbal therapist and occupation therapist available upon request and assessment.
Head of Unit
Dr. Patsy Tan
PhD (Music Therapy) (University of Minnesota USA)
Board Certified Music Therapist (USA)
Registered Neurologic Music Therapist (USA)
Certified Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Music Therapist (USA)
Contact Info:
Tel: 6321-4541
Email: patsy.tan.l.p@sgh.com.sg