She’s been at the hospital since November. Like many patients, it’s been difficult for April and her parents and grandma to find new activities to stay busy during a long hospital stay. Several weeks ago, April’s grandmother stopped to talk with a member of the staff in the hallway. At the same time, Music Therapist Kayla Zuckerman was walking down the hall to visit another patient. “I said hello to April and she immediately started reaching for the instruments,” says Kayla. “It became clear she wanted to play some music.” Without hesitation, Kayla sat down next to April and started a 20-minute jam session right there in the hallway. April banged on the drum and strummed on the guitar all while Kayla sang along. “It's amazing to see the care Kayla has for my granddaughter,” says April’s grandmother. “April didn’t like music therapy until she met Kayla. Now it’s become part of her daily routine.” “Music is such a powerful tool for helping children at the hospital,” says Kayla. “In April’s care, it’s helped to normalize the hospital environment for her and give her more control over different situations. I love that I can hold therapy sessions anywhere with a child and make a difference. I have one of the best jobs in the world.”

About Music Therapy

Music therapy is an established health care profession that uses specifically designed music interventions to address the unique physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages, across the lifespan. Board-certified music therapists are trained to design and implement individualized interventions to address the needs of each child and family. At Primary Children's Hospital our music therapists are highly trained to harness the therapeutic qualities of music and to enable children of all ages to work toward their physiological, cognitive, emotional and social goals. Learn more about the music therapy program at Primary Children's Hospital.