If you hear the the sounds of drums, a guitar and young voices singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” coming out of a room here at CHOC, chances are you will find Eric Mammen, the newest member of CHOC’s Child Life Department and the hospital’s first part-time music therapist.
It is a known fact that listening to music can soothe one’s soul, but studies have shown that music can also promote the physical healing process. Music therapy is a recognized discipline that employs music to achieve non- music goals. When using music in a therapeutic context, the patient’s abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Some of the benefits revolve around cognitive stimulation, pain management, relaxation, motor movement, the enhancement of self-esteem and other social skills, and providing a positive diversion.
With his music, Eric has played a unique part in the recovery of patients and in the enhancement of their quality of life. He vividly recalls working with a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patient who was generally unresponsive. After just one music therapy session, the child opened his eyes and began interacting with the treatment team and visiting family members – to their delight.
Eric has been a music therapist for seven years and just recently started working at CHOC part-time in the afternoon, Monday - Friday. He said it is a dream come true to work at CHOC and be part of the miracles that happen here every day.
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Children's Hospital of Orange County | 
University of California, Irvine