Music in Hospitals & Care’s first research subcommittee into the therapeutic benefits of live music was established in the early 1950s.
Research and evaluation have continued to be the foundations that inform our programmes, including insights and findings from across the music and health sector and our own live music experiences.
In 2013 we began working with university researchers Dr Nigel Marshall and Dr Kagari Shibazaki to build on existing anecdotal evidence for improved wellbeing following live music in hospitals and care homes. The first studies focused on our live music experiences in dementia care homes and equivalent settings in Japan.
The partnership proved to be incredibly valuable in providing insights and evidence around the impact of our live music. Since then, Dr Marshall and Dr Shibazaki’s research has expanded to include hospice care and young adults with learning disabilities.
We have also worked with Salford Institute for Dementia at a specially created music café to conduct a study on how regular live music can enhance wellbeing and participation both for people living with dementia and their families.
As we continue to build on this research, it enables us to focus more on impact led work with those who can benefit the most from experiencing our live music.
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.
Read our latest annual report
In 2025/26 we focused on setting the right note for the future. Despite a challenging landscape, we are proud of what we have been able to achieve with your support.