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.
Recommended Citation
Peczeniuk-Hoffman, Suzanna A., "Music Therapy in the NICU: Interventions and Techniques in Current Practice and a Survey of Experience and Designation Implications" (2012). Masters Theses. 93.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/93