Date of Award

12-2012

Degree Name

Master of Music

Department

Music

First Advisor

Edward A, Roth, M.M.

Second Advisor

Brian L. Wilson

Third Advisor

Dr. David S. Smith

Keywords

NICU, music therapy, neonates, premature infants, MICU-MT designation

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

While researchers have documented the clinical use of music in medical settings, little is known about music therapists working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The purpose of the study was to examine the demographics, educational training (NICU-MT designation), employment conditions, and music therapy interventions/techniques used by professional music therapists in the NICU. A 15- item survey was designed and electronically mailed to music therapists (N = 318) identified by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), and Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy Institute at Florida State University as potentially working with premature infants and having valid electronic mail addresses. A total of 41 responses (N= 41) were received—36 respondents (N=36) completed the survey entirely and 5 partially (N=5) via SurveyGizmo. Data collected indicated that although Gooding (2010) had summarized common protocols, NICU music therapists have noticed other additional perceived benefits. Results indicated differences with regard to the importance of the NICU-MT designation. The NICU-MT training, however, has educational benefits and promotes a high quality of care.

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