Music Therapy Program at Villa St. Joseph

Villa St. Joseph is the first long-term care facility in Beaver County to implement a Music Therapy Program directed by a full-time, board-certified music therapist. The primary goal of the Music Therapy Program, which began in 2007, is to enhance quality of life for residents by restoring, maintaining, and improving psychosocial, cognitive and physical health. In an effort to expand our understanding and approach to depression at this stage of life, the Villa conducted research on the effects of music therapy on depression symptoms. 

The Music Therapy Program reaches out to residents throughout the Villa, improving their quality of life by promoting health and wellness. Music therapy addresses a variety of individual goals by providing motivating opportunities for social interaction, self-expression, reminiscence, calming / coping, movement / exercise, and meaningful community involvement. The Music Therapy Program also embraces residents with Alzheimer’s disease, using music to help residents maintain abilities as much as possible.

Residents participate in music therapy in group and individual settings. Regularly scheduled group sessions are included on the Activities Calendar. Individual sessions occur daily on a flexible schedule according to resident needs and the availability of both the resident and the music therapist. Every resident is welcome to attend music therapy group sessions. Families with a particular concern for their loved one or question about music therapy may make a referral by speaking with staff.

The Villa Bell Choir has been performing a variety of programs since their first Christmas performance in 2007, including traveling to the Beaver Valley Mall and the Baden Municipal Building. The Bell Choir has also hosted the Villa Talent Show and a formal “Black & White Night.” Bend your ear to the sounds of "Chime Time." Villa Voices revived the choral tradition in 2009, with residents from all neighborhoods gathering to sing and perform.

Music therapy students enjoy the sights and sounds of the Villa as they complete clinical requirements under the supervision of our music therapist. The Music Therapy Department currently accepts music therapy practicum students and interns from Duquesne University. Internship applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted up to a year in advance at the address below.

The Music Therapy Program strives to support the Villa community through competent and compassionate care that meets individual needs. The Music Therapy Program is supported, in turn, by our community. The Music Therapy Program was initiated through grant funding and benefactors, and now relies on our generous donors for support. If you would like to make a contribution to the Music Therapy Program, please click here to print out a form.

Music therapy is a unique service that is offered in a variety of settings and locations. To learn more about music therapy, please visit the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) at www.musictherapy.org.

For more information, please contact Brigette K. Sutton, MA, MT-BC, Director of Music Therapy, at bsutton@villastjoseph.org.

©2011 Sisters of St Joseph - Baden
Villa St. Joseph
1030 State Street, Baden PA 15005
724.869.6300 | Fax: 724.869.6399
Feedback, questions and comments are welcomed at bhecht@stjoseph-baden.org