Section Contents
“I struggle with mental health so playing an instrument took my mind off my problems and de-stressed me. It also positively affected my anxiety and low mood.” Sophie, aged 15 years
Case studies
Alder Hey – Music As Medicine 2021
Fostering Wellbeing Through Music Collaboration and Co-Creation in the Community – Community Innovation Practitioner Case Study, Georgina Aasgaard, University of Liverpool (2024). Funded by AHRC Creative Communities
Podcasts & films
Transforming Lives Through Music: Empowering our brave young patients – Alder Hey Official | Podcast on Spotify Georgina Aasgaard talks about music making with oncology patients.
The Power of Ward Musicians at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – Alder Hey Official | Podcast of Spotify Georgina Aasgaard discusses the importance of the work for young patients and their families, and the impact it has on her.
Recommended Readings
Music in Paediatric Hospitals – Nordic Perspectives Lars Ole Bonde & Kjersti Johansson (2020)
Music in a Hospital Setting: A multifaceted experience C Preti & G Welsh (2004)
Child-Parent Wellbeing in a Paediatric Ward: The Role of Music Therapy in Supporting Children and Their Parents Facing the Challenge of Hospitalisation Carolyn Ayson (2008)
Working together better for mental health in children and young people during a pandemic: experiences from North Central London during the first wave of COVID-19
Song Creations by Children with Cancer: Process and Meaning T Aasgaard (2002) AIChE Journal, Institute of Music and Music Therapy, Aalborg University
Guidelines for Music Therapy Practice in Paediatric Care, Chapter 8 – Children with Cancer B. Dun (2013)
Rhythm to Recovery: A Practical Guide to Using Rhythmic Music, Voice and Movement for Social and Emotional Development S Faulkner (2016)
The Human Nature of Music S Malloch and C Trevarhten (2018)
Wellbeing and hospitalized children: Can Music help? Psychology of Music, Longhi, E., 43(2), 188-196
‘The most disgusting ever’: children’s pain descriptions and views of the purpose of pain R Kortesluoma & M Nikkonene (2006)
Community Music and Music Therapy: Jointly and Severally. In The Oxford Handbook of Community Music, OUP S Wood and G Ansdell (2018)
How arts can help improve your mental health
Help for Musicians
Musicians Union wellbeing guidance
UK Music: Mental health advice for the music industry
Staff Advice Liaison Service: free support service for staff within NHS England organisations
