Music Therapy for Cancer Patients

Music therapy is the use of music intervention to meet the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of an individual. Therapists are accomplished musicians and certified therapists. It is a field based on science and research.

Rogel Cancer Center patients:  please talk to your doctor or call 734-647-8902 to make an appointment.
 

How can music therapy help me?

Music therapy is non-evasive and enhances your cancer treatment plan. It may help:

Every session begins with a review of your health information, treatment goals and individual plan. Then you might:

• Move to music
• Sing
• Write and/or record a song
• Play an instrument or learn to play
• Discuss the meaning and purpose of music/songs
• Develop music therapy strategies to manage your symptoms

What types of music therapy are offered?

• Private sessions for inpatients take place at the bedside in your private or semi-private room. For outpatients, private sessions take place by appointment in a private room on the third floor of the Med Inn Building.
• Infusion sessions are offered during your scheduled infusion appointment. These sessions take place chairside or bedside in any of our ambulatory infusion clinics.
• Group sessions are available on a monthly basis. These sessions provide a safe social environment to explore music and musical elements within the therapeutic context.

Who are the music therapists?

Board certified music therapists have a bachelor’s degree or higher, attend a college approved by the American Music Therapy Association and train for 1,200 hours with patients and health care professionals. Music therapists are also accomplished musicians, often trained in guitar, piano, percussion or singing. Using the combination of musical talent and education, they enhance cancer treatment to help meet the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of an individual.

Learn more about cancer patient support services:

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patients & Family Support Services offer options not only for our patients, but also for families and caregivers.  Please visit the program page to learn more.