This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the exceptional women sharing the healing power of live music with people across the UK who may not otherwise get to experience it.
Music in Hospitals & Care musician Sathari Kam visits neonatal units, dementia wards and mental health services in the South of England. She explains:
“For the babies, the music has to be gentle – low, soothing tones rather than anything too loud or energetic. Lately, I’ve been favouring the guitar over the banjo because it has one more string and a softer tone. You can make it sound almost like a harp by plucking it a certain way, and the babies seem to like that. Ultimately, I adapt to whatever suits the occasion, the family, and most importantly, the baby.
“In dementia units, for instance, I use upbeat songs to lift the mood. People can start out quite low, so I sing familiar, fast-paced songs to encourage participation. I also hand out instruments so they can join in.”
Musicians like Sathari bring warmth and energy to care environments, transforming them into spaces filled with life and connection. Sathari adds:
“Live music transforms care environments into spaces filled with warmth. It helps people feel relaxed and can relieve frustration, stress and isolation. It also encourages movement, enhances mood and creates a sense of connection between patients, families and healthcare professionals.”
Elkie Jeffery, Music in Hospitals & Care singer and ukulelist, highlights the importance of selecting the right music to engage audiences and create meaningful experiences:
“I think a good bit of advice is choosing the right material for the people you’re playing to. Working on your repertoire and making sure that you’ve got a good range of eras, decades and styles.”
She also encourages budding musicians to expand their skill sets:
“I would say to other women that are aspiring singers to learn an instrument. It’s just so great to be completely independent and accompany yourself – it really opens the door to this kind of work. It just means you can do more with your career in general if you’ve got a double attack.”
We appreciate the remarkable women who dedicate their musical talents to making a difference to the lives of patients, families, healthcare professionals, residents and carers.
A memorable evening of Wine, Music and Song
Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the Wine, Music and Song event. With music spanning centuries, the evening was a celebration of music in its many different roles.
Arts in Care Homes Day: Thanking Bert Smith
This Arts in Care Homes Day, we’re taking the time to thank Moyness Care Home’s Activities Coordinator Bert Smith, who has championed live music for care homes in Dundee for over 30 years. As Bert approaches retirement, he is looking back on his career and years of work with Music in Hospitals & Care.
World Alzheimer’s Month: Lifting spirits in Cumbria
Our musician Andy McKay has been visiting wards and care homes across Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where we have been able to share 29 hours of live music between September 2025 and May 2026. One of the spaces Andy visited is the Ramsey Unit at Furness General Hospital, an assessment unit for patients with organic illnesses such as dementia.