Due to numerous enquiries regarding music therapy services available at SGH, below is a summary of music therapy services currently available at SGH.

Music Therapy @ SGH aims to provide holistic music experience to patients to help them attain and regain emotional and physical functions as well as to improve intellectual and mental functions. SGH offers a wide selection of music therapy programmes that are proven to be effective in aiding patients of various ages and abilities with specific needs, from insomnia, muscle tension, stress, to speech and hearing impairment and other disabilities. All programmes will be conducted by a US Board-Certified Music Therapist.

INFANT AND CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMES

• Music to the Ears

Music to the Ears is an individualized music therapy programme specially designed for hearing-impaired children. Music therapy techniques can effectively work on issues related to prosodic features of speech, such as rhythm, intonation, rate and stress. Breathing, timing, pitch and articulation needed for singing songs have positive effects on speech. Vocal training on fundamental frequency and singing songs in appropriate keys also help to improve speech intelligibility. This programme also lays the foundation for hearing impaired children to appreciate music like their normal hearing peers.

• Music for Pre-Schoolers

For children with pre-academic skills delay, music therapy techniques can effectively stimulate areas related to receptive and expressive language, phonics, mathematics, sequencing, auditory attention, and social skills development. The aim is to prepare the child for mainstream education.

• Music for Babes

An individualized/group therapy programme specially designed for infants and toddlers with global developmental delay especially those born prematurely. Music therapy techniques can effectively work on developing the whole child in a fun and non-threatening environment. The programme includes fine/gross motor skills, cognitive, speech and language, social, and emotional skills development.

ADULTS PROGRAMMES

• Strauss for the Stressed

Studies have shown that music therapy is an effective treatment for stress and anxiety and insomnia. This programme aims to enhance relaxation of the body and help stressful individuals to achieve better sleep, and better mental and physical health. The programme is also useful for individuals who are anxious due to maladjustment to hospital environment or medical procedures. Normal healthy working adults who has work related stress may come for a relaxation session.

• Music & Voice

Adults with communication disorders such as aphasia/dyspraxia due to brain injury or hearing impairment can benefit from music therapy techniques such as breath control, rate of speech, and intonation exercises that improve vocal power, melodic and rhythmic inflection for clarity of articulation. Individuals in this programme may need to a speech therapist and/or Auditory-Verbal Therapist in addition to music therapy depending on severity of condition.

• Music Therapy for Support Groups

Group music therapy offers an effective and safe outlet for expression of emotions for patients and families with difficulties in coping with their illnesses, e.g. cancer support group, heart failure support group as well as heart and lung transplant support group. Through their active participation in creative activities like singing, guided imagery, patients and families can foster trust, empathy, and validation, which empower them to better cope with their illnesses or disabilities.

INPATIENT PROGRAMMES

• Music to a Fun Environment

Music to a Fun Environment is an individualized/group therapy programme specially designed for children admitted for medical procedures. Music activities can effectively help young children get adjusted to hospital environment and conditioned for surgical procedures such as those going for cochlear implant. The aim is to minimize fear, anxiety and stress the child as well as family members.

• Music to a Dreamy Wonderland

Studies showed that sedative music enhances relaxation of the body, which in turn reduces the circulation of norepinephrine that is associated with sleep. Thus, Music to a Dreamy Wonderland is an individualized therapy program aims to aid in sleep or enhance sleep quality of individuals who are anxious due to maladjustment to hospital environment or medical procedures.

• Music to the Pins and Needles

Music to the Pins and Needles is an individualized pain management programme for individuals who are in pain due to medical condition(s) or procedures which include but not limited to surgery, chemotherapy, and expectant mothers preparing for childbirth. Music can be used as a stimulus for active focus or distraction, to facilitate relaxation response, as a masking agent, as an information agent, and positive environmental stimulus.

OTHER PROGRAMMES

PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOLS

SGH can provide music therapy services to students in both mainstream and special schools on contract basis. A minimum of a one-year contract is required as music therapy is something that requires time in order for results to be observed. For more information including cost, please send email to the email address listed below.

ONE-DAY MUSIC THERAPY LECTURE CUM OBSERVATION PROGRAMME

This programme is designed for individuals who are considering going overseas for music therapy training and would like to have more information on what music therapy is all about before making that final decision. This programme includes (1) A brief overview of music therapy (2) Overview of various training programmes (3) Video viewing on music therapy sessions (4) A tour to the hearing arcade in SGH ENT department. For more information including cost, please send email to the email address listed below.

ONE-MONTH MUSIC THERAPY WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS

This programme is designed for music teachers or classroom teachers who are working with special needs children and need extra tips on how to make music learning more assessible to the students. Basic musical skills are required in order to participate fully. Participants will meet once a week for 4 weeks. Assignments will be given. The programme includes (1) A brief introduction to music therapy (2) Music and child development (3) Music with the special population (4) Video viewing on music therapy (5) Lesson planning and hands on activities. Please note that participation in this programme does not qualify you to be a music therapist. For more information, please send email to the email address listed below.

Appointment:

If you are interested in the aforementioned programs or have further enquiries, please email: patsy.tan.l.p@sgh.com.sg for an appointment for initial consultation. Initial assessment is required to see if music therapy suits you.