Abstract
The death of a child is always tragic, regardless of expectation of death, length of illness, level of pain and suffering or traumatic event. While similarities exist in treatment goals during the final stages of life (e.g. symptom management), major differences exist in the way in which children and adults experience their own death. Music therapy is a vital component in the interdisciplinary management of children and their families at the end of life. Music therapy is a multifaceted experience that includes all family members and represents the healthy aspects of the child. Core concepts of music therapy work with children who are facing imminent death are reviewed, creating a theory from which to build practical approaches. This article reviews techniques and current research trends, including recommendations for future research directions. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the need for increased music therapy presence at the end of a child’s life.
