MUSIC THERAPY

Research has shown that music therapy may significantly increase quality of life for hospice patients, families and caregivers. This therapy is available to patients and their families, and may be requested through any Hudson Valley Hospice staff member, including the nurse, social worker, chaplain, home health aide or volunteer or by calling Hudson Valley Hospice directly.

Music therapy at Hudson Valley Hospice is designed to enhance the quality of life for patients and families by:

  • Improving communication
  • Alleviating stress
  • Exploring feelings
  • Enhancing socialization
  • Reducing isolation
  • Offering spiritual and coping supports

HOW DOES MUSIC THERAPY OFFER SUPPORT?

Music brings comfort and consolation, enhances physical and emotional well-being and may help to:

  • Manage pain and discomfort
  • Reduce anxiety, depression
  • Lessen respiratory distress
  • Strengthen coping skills
  • Provide spiritual and bereavement support
  • Plan and participate in memorial services
  • Facilitate legacy work, self-expression, and socialization

It may be provided anywhere someone calls home, including private homes, senior and independent living, hospitals, nursing homes and our Hospice House. Sessions may be private for the patient only or include supportive care for caregivers and loved ones.

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MUSIC THERAPY INTERVENTIONS

  • Listening and Singing
  • Song Choice/Request/Dedication
  • Instrument Playing and Improvisation
  • Music Legacy Work/Songwriting/Composition
  • Music and Imagery
  • Music for Relaxation/Entrainment (Iso-principle)
  • Lyric Analysis/Song Discussion
  • Music Based Reminiscence and Life Review

WHO PROVIDES MUSIC THERAPY?

Hudson Valley Hospice employs master’s level, board-certified music therapists (MT-BC) who are Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCAT) with specialty training in Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy (HPMT).

Internships are available at Hudson Valley Hospice. For more information, see below.

Apply Now!

MUSIC THERAPY INTERNSHIPS

Hudson Valley Hospice is an AMTA National Roster Internship site and is also university-affiliated through SUNY New Paltz. Our interns work in Dutchess and Ulster counties and provide clinical services under the direction of our music therapy staff.

Eligible students who have completed academic requirements as required by AMTA or New York State prior to internship start date may apply. Start dates are January/July each year for AMTA National Roster Interns, and August for university-affiliated interns. Therapists can apply by visiting our Music Therapy Internship Application. We are now accepting applications for January 2027.

RESOURCES

Have additional questions? We offer helpful materials to help guide you. Learn more below, and explore some of the incredible work our music therapists are doing throughout the community.