The specialist role of the music therapist in developmental programs for hospitalized children

Music therapy is used to address the needs of hospitalized children in the attainment of their normal growth and development milestones. Clinical practice literature proposes that the achievement of musical milestones parallels the developmental competence achieved in the areas of gross motor and fine motor skills; speech, language, and communication skills; sensory motor skills; and social and interactive skills. Pediatric health care workers are encouraged to use music appropriately in their work settings and, where possible, consult and liaise with a registered music therapist, that is, a trained and qualified practitioner, to achieve best practice outcomes in this field.