Hospitals

 A stay in hospital can be stressful and unsettling, whether you’re the person receiving treatment or a family member or friend. Live music can help change that.

We work closely with hospitals across the UK so our musicians can share the many benefits of live music with everyone from new-born babies to older people.

You might find our musicians in the following areas of hospitals:

  • Bays, wards and communal spaces.

  • Older people’s care.

  • Mental health services.

  • Cancer care.

  • Stroke units.

  • Critical care.

  • Special care baby units.

  • Neurological rehabilitation centres.

Our live music benefits hospital staff too – giving them a much-needed break, and time and space to improve their own mental, physical and emotional health.

Hospital play specialists and a musician with guitar leading a joyful music session for a young child during a Music in Hospitals & Care visit.
Musician standing in a hospital ward holding a kora before performing for patients during a Music in Hospitals & Care session.

Did you know?

  • In 2023/24 there were 17.6m hospital admissions in England.[1]

  • Analysis of 97 random controlled trials has shown that music decreases pain felt by patients, the destress pain causes and the need for pain medication.[2]

  • Live music can have a greater impact than recorded music as demonstrated in studies with cancer patients in hospital.[3]

  • A Cochrane review, which is the gold standard in health research, found that music helps patients on breathing machines feel more relaxed. It lowers their breathing and blood pressure, and reduces the need for sedatives and painkillers.[4]

  • Listening to music had a positive impact on the well-being of oncology (cancer care) hospital staff, reducing stress and increasing a sense of community at work.[5]

We found that:

  • 100% of people working in critical care reported increased staff morale.

  • Just over two thirds (67%) of critical care staff reported an enhanced understanding of the people in their care.

  • Just over half (51%) of people who were critically ill felt less isolated.

  • 45% of people who were critically ill had improved communication skills.

  • 100% of people who were critically ill experienced less stress and anxiety.

Two musicians performing in a hospital ward, one playing ukulele and the other violin, during a Music in Hospitals & Care session.
Musician playing guitar at a hospital bedside during a Music in Hospitals & Care session.

Find out more about two award-winning approaches to sharing live music in critical care that we’ve created – ICU Hear® and Lullaby Hour.

Our programmes

Princess Royal University Hospital, Orpington

“The gift of watching a five-day old baby and mother enjoy a moment of calm is precious, and a testament to the power of Music in Hospitals & Care.”

Homerton Hospital, London

“It can be quite tedious and depressing to stay in hospital for long periods like our patients have to do. They have been through a life changing experience and the music brings back nice memories and makes them feel closer to others again.”