Sweet music wafts to wards

Toes were tapping and heads were swaying as music students from the University of Western Australia treated patients, visitors and staff at St John of God Murdoch Hospital to a musical performance in October.

7 Oct 2016

7 October 2016

The ensemble gathered in the patient lounges of the hospital to play a variety of traditional pieces such as the Water is Wide and The Ash Grove, as well as well-known melodies such as Here Comes the Sun and I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.

Violinist Kate Milligan said performing at the hospital provided her and her fellow musicians with a great opportunity to play music to patients who might be feeling unwell, lonely or perhaps even bored.

“It’s a wonderful thing to play for people who might really need some enjoyment or relaxation,” Ms Milligan said.

“Music and health care is such a fascinating area as music has the potential to be not only therapeutic, but medicinal, in people’s recovery.”

These concerts form part of the students’ assessment in one of their units, Music in the Community.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital has held a number of jazz concerts for patients and hosts visiting primary schools who sing carols at Christmas time.

Art Curator Connie Petrillo from the hospital says holding the concerts in the lounges enables the music to float down the corridors into patient rooms.

“Often patients will come to watch the concerts but it is equally valuable for the patients who are too unwell to listen from their beds,” Ms Petrillo said.

“Music, as with other art forms, can have incredible benefits on health and we are looking forward to growing this program at the hospital