George Kweder Speaks on Music Therapy for Infants in NICU

PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 29, 2013

George Kweder, director and owner of a private music therapy practice, is speaking out on a new article that states that more than two dozen hospitals in the United States currently offer music therapies for preemies residing in their newborn intensive care units. George Kweder supports the rise in popularity of music therapy programs, and encourages use of music to heal fragile preemies.

Music therapy is an established health field where music is used to develop a therapeutic relationship that can tackle the emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs of patients. Actions involved in music therapy may include creating music, singing along, dancing, and listening to favorite tunes. The program depends on the individual and his or her unique set of needs and goals.

Joanne Loewy, who directs a music and medicine program at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, oversaw a study that was published in Pediatrics. The study focused on 11 hospitals in America, and had professional music therapists play drums that worked to mimic the sounds found in the womb. These drums matched the rhythm of the infants' heartbeats, and were discovered to help to slow the babies' heart rates, thus helping to calm their breathing and bolster their ability to suck and sleep.

Besides the health benefits, the use of musical therapy can prove beneficial to families of preemies. Elizabeth Klinger, a musical therapist, explains, "A lot of times families become afraid of interacting with their children because they are so sick and so frail, and music provides them something that they can still do."

George Kweder comments on this stating, "Music provides a host of benefits for people of all ages. From tiny babies to elderly individuals, the healing benefits of song are essentially universal. It's exciting that this field continues to grow in popularity, thus allowing it to help children and families in need at hospitals around the country."

The New York Daily News explains that live performances in hospitals prove more effective than prerecorded music, because patients are able to better feel the vibrations from the tunes and also get the benefit of seeing the musicians in-person.

The field of music therapy has even garnered attention on national television, when American Idol finalist Kree Harrison watched a music therapist work with an infant at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. Harrison had the following to say about her experience, "Music is such a huge part of our lives and to do something like this, make it sort of a healing process, is a cool thing."

George Kweder states, "It's important that people fully understand the benefits of music therapy so that they can incorporate it into their lives and the lives of their loved ones."

ABOUT:

George Kweder is the director and owner of Kweder Therapy Group, a private music therapy practice. The business serves children, adults, and elderly individuals with a range of health conditions. George regularly provides treatment for those struggling with grief, Alzheimer's disease, autism, emotional disorders, developmental issues, substance abuse problems, and other concerns.