The Healing Power of Music: How Music Therapy is Transforming Lives in Haematology at King’s
In September 2024, a new kind of therapy began quietly transforming lives on the Haematology wards at King’s College Hospital. Thanks to generous donations from patients and their families to King’s College Hospital Charity, we welcomed a Music Therapist to the team, working one day a week to support patient wellbeing.
Now, as we approach the end of the first year of this incredible initiative, we’re reflecting on the difference music therapy has already made – and looking ahead to how we can continue funding this vital service from September 2025 onwards.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based approach that uses music to improve people’s health and wellbeing. It’s based on the belief that everyone is musical, and that engaging in music – whether through listening, singing, or playing instruments – can stimulate emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth.
For patients going through intensive treatments for blood cancers and disorders, music therapy offers:
- Emotional expression and release
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Moments of joy and connection
- An opportunity to focus, create, and share experiences
The sessions often take the form of group music-making, where patients can sing, play instruments, or simply listen and reflect. And as we’ve seen firsthand, the impact is profound.
Patient Voices: Music That Moves the Soul
Here are just a few stories shared by our Music Therapist, highlighting the real and lasting impact of the sessions on patients and their families (all names have been changed for confidentiality reasons):
May – “I was miles away… I was in the mountains.”
May, in her 70s, regularly attended the music group with her husband. Music evoked vivid memories, often taking her back to meaningful places and moments. After singing traditional Scottish songs like Loch Lomond and The Skye Boat Song, May sat quietly as soft piano music played.
“I was miles away, then. I was in the mountains,” she said, transported by the music to a peaceful memory.
“The music has been a great comfort,” added her husband.
These moments offered a welcome escape and emotional release, helping May maintain a positive mindset throughout her admission.
Jay – “It really lifted my spirits.”
Jay, in his 60s, was nearing the end of a lengthy hospital stay. Though optimistic about his recovery, he admitted the experience had felt isolating.
Even in a shared bay, patients often keep to themselves – but music provided a way to break down those barriers. It became a shared language, sparking conversations, laughter, and connection.
“It really lifted my spirits,” he said after one session.
Ella – “It’s just bringing me back to myself.”
Ella, a woman in her 30s, came to the group with a close friend. Together, they joined in singing a selection of sea shanties, which brought back fond memories of family gatherings.
“It’s really emotional,” she said. “Singing these songs… it’s just bringing me back to myself.”
The group singing helped Ella reconnect with joyful times and gave her a sense of belonging and emotional grounding – a powerful feeling during treatment.
Help Us Keep the Music Playing
Music therapy is making a tangible difference on the Haematology wards at King’s. From easing anxiety to fostering connection, it brings comfort and joy during some of the hardest moments in a patient’s life.
But to continue this service beyond September 2025, we need your help.
With your support, we can ensure more patients like May, Jay, and Ella benefit from the healing power of music.
To find out how to contribute, click here.
Together, we can continue to bring harmony, healing, and hope.
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