There’s no doubt that singing a favourite song can make you feel great.
In fact, research shows that music can have powerful health benefits. That’s why, since 2016, the Music Therapy program at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse has grown to a vibrant and vital service that brings joy to the lives of hundreds of patients and loved ones every year. This program is made possible by the support of our generous donors.
Led by Music Therapy Fellow Dr Emma O’Brien OAM, the Music Therapy program uses research and evidence-based musical practice to assist patients’ relaxation, reduce stress, relieve pain and discomfort, and improve mood. Guided by our trained Music Therapists Harry and Netta, patients can take part in bedside music therapy and songwriting, learn a musical instrument or record a song in our You Can Centre recording studio.
For our patients, creating music helps bring back a sense of choice and control, and breaks the routine of waiting, worrying and getting treatment with moments of deep engagement and generous encouragement.
Soon, our Music Therapy program will be the focus of a new study for young people receiving cancer treatment, which will look at the emotional and therapeutic benefits of songwriting in cancer care. In the study, patients will co-create and professionally record original songs with our music therapists, and provide detailed feedback to measure changes in their emotional wellbeing.
These findings could shape how we integrate music therapy into cancer care – placing patient voice and emotional wellbeing at the heart of treatment.
We are incredibly grateful to our donor community, who help enrich the lives of our patients with the joy of music.
“Being able to give this experience to patients and their loved ones is incredibly special and brings a lot of happiness during these difficult periods in people’s lives. I’m grateful that I get to do that every day.”
Music Therapist
Harry Thwaites-Tregilgas
