Early Support in the NICU
Music therapy supports premature infants and their families during neonatal and pediatric medical care, complementing the clinical team.
MT-BC
Music Therapy
Services
Evidence-based music therapy treatment supporting premature infants, children, adults, and families, along with practical resources for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals.
Overview
Where music therapy can help
Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment modality supported by research published in peer-reviewed journals such as the American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, Pediatrics, Arts in Psychotherapy, Neonatal Network, and the Journal of Pediatrics.
Developmental and Motor Support
Targeted interventions address neurodevelopment, motor skills, and speech stimulation for children with and without developmental disabilities.
Mental and Emotional Health
Music therapy can support mental and emotional health, communication, and well-being for adults in a range of settings.
Family Music Therapy
Family-centered sessions strengthen parent-child interaction, soothe babies, and encourage shared musical routines at home.
Who We Serve
Resources for every part of the circle
Beyond direct treatment, the practice offers bilingual (English and Spanish) educational materials for the people who surround children and families.
For Parents
Guidance on songs for soothing babies, family interaction, and maternal mental health, including articles on family music therapy and music listening, breastmilk, and breastfeeding.
For Teachers
Strategies for engaging minds and bodies through music, song writing with young children, and supporting children with special needs such as autism and ADHD.
For Healthcare Professionals
Clinical context on using music therapeutically in the pediatric medical setting, including decision-making and documentation in practice.
Focus Areas
Common areas of focus
Music therapy services are tailored to each client's goals, including areas such as:
| Service | Who it supports | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Music therapy treatment | Infants, children, adults, families | Neurodevelopment, motor rehabilitation, mental and emotional health |
| Family music therapy | Parents and caregivers | Interaction, soothing, shared routines at home |
| Educational resources | Parents, teachers, healthcare professionals | Practical strategies in English and Spanish |
Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment modality that supports premature infants, children, adults, and families, while also offering practical resources for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals. Research published in peer-reviewed journals such as the American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, Pediatrics, Arts in Psychotherapy, Neonatal Network, and the Journal of Pediatrics continues to strengthen the foundation for this work. The approach pairs carefully matched songs and sound experiences with the goals of each individual, recognizing that musical interaction can support development, bonding, and emotional wellbeing in meaningful, measurable ways.
For premature infants, early support in the neonatal intensive care unit focuses on the foundational moments of life. Music-based interventions can help soothe and stabilize infants during procedures, encourage developmental responses, and provide a calming bridge between the clinical environment and the presence of family. In the NICU, the therapist works closely with the care team so that the musical elements of each session complement the medical plan and the infant's individual tolerance for stimulation.
Beyond the hospital setting, music therapy supports children and adults across a wide range of needs, from early developmental concerns to emotional and social challenges. Sessions are tailored to the person rather than the diagnosis, and progress is documented so that families, educators, and treating physicians can follow along. Practical resources are also developed for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, offering simple listening and singing strategies that families can carry into everyday routines at home.
Breastfeeding and maternal-child health sit close to the heart of this practice. Songs and lullabies written for mothers and babies can support the breastfeeding journey, easing transitions and encouraging skin-to-skin contact, while gentle rhythmic and melodic activities help infants grow and develop. These musical resources are designed to be shared freely, because a family that learns to listen together often finds that everyday moments of care become calmer, more connected, and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Much of the material shared here is bilingual, reflecting the families served. Spoken-word pieces, song-based storytelling, and printed resources invite parents to experience music together with their little ones and to understand why certain songs settle a baby or soothe a tired parent. Content also honors a legacy of gratitude and prayer, acknowledging the spiritual and emotional dimensions of new parenthood. When families feel supported by knowledgeable therapists, they can approach each feeding, nap, and playtime with more confidence and warmth.
Ready to begin?
Connect with Katherine Lantigua, M.M., MT-BC, NICU-MT to discuss music therapy services for your child or family, or to explore the resource library for parents, teachers, and clinicians.