Sound of healing: live music brings comfort to palliative care patients

10 Jun 2025

The beautiful music is thanks to David, a newly welcomed volunteer, sharing the gift of live music with patients and families when they need it most. 

David’s journey with music began as a teenager, when he and his musically gifted brothers would visit aged care homes to play for residents. Over the years, his love for music evolved into decades of experience, performing in jazz bands, rock groups, and even as a solo pianist in cocktail bars. It was through volunteering in schools, aged care homes, and most recently hospitals, David discovered just how powerfully music can touch the lives of those in care.

“It just became obvious to me that this is a really nice thing to do to make someone feel better,” David said. 

“The songs I play are older, calming, gentle tunes. When patients hum along or ask for a song from their wedding, or a piece that meant something to them decades ago, you see it light up their day. That’s what it’s all about.”

David’s playlist is a timeless collection of gentle classics, pieces that tend to spark memories and emotion in his audience. 

“These songs seem to unlock something,” David explains.

“There’s a shared moment, a feeling of connection and calm. Pretty soon, it feels like a private little concert just for them.”

Now retired from running his own business, David is finding purpose and joy in giving back through music — something that has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. His performances are a blend of skill and heart, and always tailored to the mood of the room.

“You have to read the moment. Not too loud, not too fast. Sometimes people get restless or emotional, and that’s okay too. Music helps us meet people where they are.”

The impact of David’s weekly visits is felt beyond the music. There is extensive research to show that live music in palliative care can help ease pain, lower anxiety, lift mood, and bring meaning to a difficult time. It enhances spiritual wellbeing and reminds patients and their families they are not alone.

“Volunteers like David giving a gift of kindness to others is at the heart of what St John of God Health Care stands for as an organisation,” St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Tina Chinery said.

“Music has a unique ability to reach the soul, and we are deeply grateful to David for sharing his talent — and to all our volunteers who so generously give their time.”

At St John of God Subiaco Hospital, healing comes in many forms. On Fridays, sometimes, it begins with a song.

Interested in volunteering?

If you are inspired by David’s story and would like to make a meaningful impact, please email [email protected] to find out how you can get involved.

• Visit the St John of God Subiaco Hospital volunteers page.