When music strengthens babies: a look behind the scenes in neonatology
Stefanie Christen
November 14, 2025
7 min
Music can soothe, connect and heal - especially for premature babies, whose delicate development and emotional attachment need special support. In this interview, Stefanie Christen, music therapist at the neonatology clinic at Zollikerberg Hospital, talks about touching moments, the methods of her work and how music gives babies and parents strength and closeness in equal measure.
Insights from Stefanie Christen
- The profession of music therapy and the motivation behind it
- How music therapy supports
- Special challenges and opportunities when working with newborns
- The course of a music therapy session
- Instruments and methods
- A touching experience from practice
- Dealing with emotionally challenging situations
- Financing music therapy
How did you originally become aware of the profession of music therapist and what motivated you to pursue this path?
I heard that the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) in Zurich offered a part-time degree programme in clinical music therapy. As I already had a therapeutic profession, had always enjoyed music and wanted to develop myself further, I was motivated to complete this further education programme. I also had several touching experiences that gave me additional motivation.
One was the death of my grandmother. I was able to accompany her at the end of her life with my voice and with touch. Then there was a documentary about music therapy with premature babies, which really appealed to me and I enjoyed it. The third experience was at the seaside, when I sang for dolphins, which then stayed in the water for a long time at a close distance. These were all special experiences that motivated me to learn the profession.
development
How does music therapy help the development of premature babies?
Premature babies still have an immature nervous system, immature sensory processing and often find it difficult to regulate stimuli. Music therapy specifically addresses this in order to support and accompany development, physical stability and the bond between parents and child.
Music therapy promotes physical regulation: gentle, rhythmic sounds (e.g. humming and/or lullabies) can calm heart and breathing rates. Studies show that oxygen saturation in the blood can improve during and after music therapy sessions.
Music can help to reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation. In addition, the sounds activate the neuronal networks via the acoustic stimuli.
What particular challenges and opportunities do you see when working with sick newborns?
The medical and nursing measures for sick newborns are the top priority in hospital. Good consultations are required and it is important to observe a sick newborn baby closely and provide sensitive support. Rest and sleep are also important so that the baby is not exposed to too many stimuli.
What does a typical music therapy session at Zollikerberg Hospital look like? Can you describe the process and the atmosphere?
The parents are first asked whether they are in favour of music therapy for their child. If this is possible, it is nice if the parents can be present and the baby can lie on their chest in the kangaroo. This close physical contact is very important for babies and for bonding development. They can feel, smell, hear and feel their parents at their favourite place. In this case, I sit next to the mother or between the parents and touch them with a body monochord on the elbow or arm. These sounds are transferred to the child. Then I hum or sing sounds, lullabies or accompany the parents if they want to hum or sing themselves. This togetherness is often very touching and creates a warm, connecting and cosy atmosphere in which the parents can often relax too - not just the child.
If the parents cannot be present, I gently touch the child in the incubator and hum or sing sounds and simple melodies, which I adapt individually to the child's breathing, movement and facial expressions and thus react to the child.
Which instruments and methods are used in music therapy and why these in particular?
Creative music therapy according to Friederike Haslbeck is based on the idea that music - and in particular the human voice - creates a bridge between parents and premature babies. As premature babies are still very sensitive, no loud music is used, but live improvised music that is finely tuned to the baby. I often use a body monochord as an accompanying instrument (like F. Haslbeck), which was specially built for neonatology by an instrument maker. It sounds similar to the "wave-like noise" in the mother's womb and is relaxing for many babies.
There are also other methods and instruments that are used in music therapy with premature babies, for example kalimba, hang drum, harp, guitar and other stringed instruments. I personally use creative music therapy according to F. Haslbeck, as I have trained with her in this area.
Are there any scientific studies or evidence to support the effectiveness of music therapy for newborns?
Yes, there are various large studies, including meta-analyses, which primarily describe the short-term effects of music therapy. There are also imaging/physiological studies on the effects of music therapy. To date, there are a few studies that show evidence of long-term effects (cognitive/ neurodevelopmental effects). There are still few long-term studies over more than two years; there is a lack of well-controlled trials.
Were there any moments that particularly touched or impressed you? Can you share an experience with us?
I can remember a father who sang a song to his son for the first time in music therapy. The father had already sung the song to his son when he was still in the womb. The boy opened his eyes and they looked at each other for the first time. The father was very pleased, surprised and touched. It became "their song together". I was also very happy about this situation and it still touches me when I visualise and remember it.
How do you deal with emotionally challenging situations in your job?
Self-awareness and reflection are important areas for recognising such situations. I try to regulate myself with conscious breathing and take good care of myself in everyday life in order to stay in as healthy a balance as possible.
From time to time, I take part in supervision and have peer-to-peer discussions with other music therapists. I can share experiences or emotions there.
I feel comfortable in the team at the neonatology clinic at Zollikerberg Hospital and can also exchange ideas when I need to.
I socialise and pay attention to things that are good for me. Regular rest, enough sleep and exercise in nature, reading and listening to and making music are essential ways for me to recharge my batteries.
How is music therapy funded?
Music therapy is now a recognised therapy. It is one of the creative therapies and can generally be partially covered by supplementary insurance. Unfortunately, funding has not yet found its way into everyday life. For this reason, funding at Zollikerberg Hospital was financed and supported by the Art Therapy Foundation in the early years. Currently, our music therapy is financed by the Amman Foundation.
World Premature Baby Day
17 November 2025
On 17 November 2025, we cordially invite you to celebrate World Premature Baby Day at our hospital. From 9 am to 4 pm, you will find our information stand in the entrance hall of the hospital with information, exchange and tips on the care and support of premature babies.
