Staff & patient reactions to live, therapeutic music 

These quotes are from news articles about therapeutic musicians.

An oncology nurse said: “Having music here provides a wonderful tone, not only for the patients—some of whom are closer to the end stage of life than others, some of whom are more conscious than others—but for the families and also for the staff. Hearing this music makes us all feel a healing presence.” Morris MI. Hitting the right notes to aid the ill➚. The Washington Post. December 23, 2008.

The recreation director at a nursing home said: “It’s beneficial, whatever their mood or problems... If [the residents are] in the room a lot and don’t get a lot of visitors, having someone offer live music and companionship provides something special.” Therapeutic music relaxes, comforts patients➚. The Patriot-News. January 5, 2010.

A hospital musician recounts results from the mother of a sick child: “She said, ‘It’s the first time my daughter’s slept in two days. I finally get to take a shower. Do you know what that means?’” Wallace R. A moment of peace: Portola Valley musician brings soothing Celtic strains to patients, families and staff at Stanford Hospital➚. The Almanac. April 20, 2005.

From a CMP: “You see these incredible reactions. You see people who start out indifferent, or in pain, or distracted, then you see them become focused and relaxed… Often times their heart rate and blood pressure will change in ways that even the nurses were not able to do.” Musician plays for patients at Moffitt Cancer Center➚. Fox 13 News, Tampa, FL. April 26, 2019.

Some results are incredible: “"I played for a patient in a coma. I played for her 'Beauty and the Beast," said Arant. "She opened her eyes and looked at me and said, 'Beauty and the Beast.'"“ Castro B. Bedside music program brings peace to patients➚. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. December 28, 2016.

Who can benefit from therapeutic music?

  • Patients in all conditions

  • Non-responsive patients

  • Women in labor

  • Infants and preemies

  • Burn patients

  • Visitors

  • Caregivers

  • Hospital staff

Read more about who can benefit from therapeutic music.