Creating Joy Through Live Music
"The patients were so thrilled with the event; it had a big impact on their communication with one another and brought many smiling faces around the room. Patients with limited movement even tapped their feet in time to the music. The ‘feel good factor’ was certainly evident – a big boost to the recovery process"
Music in Hospitals
About Music in Hospitals
Music in Hospitals is a registered charity, whose mission is to improve the quality of life of adults and children with all kinds of illness and disability through the joy and therapeutic benefits of live music.
Established in 1948, Music in Hospitals has grown into the leading provider of live music across the healthcare spectrum. In the region of 5,000 concerts are presented each year to audiences of all ages in hospitals, care homes, hospices, day care centres and special needs schools throughout the UK.
In 2008 we celebrated our 60th Anniversary. From its beginning Music in Hospitals aimed for the highest standard of music. 168 concerts took place in 1948 with audience sizes ranging from 100 to 700 people in enormous hospital halls with women on one side and men on the other. The musicians were remote, on a high stage, with no opportunity to interact.
Nowadays our concerts are more intimate and designed to reach each member of the audience.
Musicians engaged by Music in Hospitals are carefully chosen by audition and require very special qualities. They must perform to the highest standard, as well as being in possession of a wide repertoire and sensitivity which will enable them to relate to each member of the audience, whatever their age, illness or disability.
MiH concerts bring a sustained improvement to the quality of life of adults and children affected by all kinds of illness, life limiting conditions, mental health problems, physical and learning disabilities whilst creating a shared experience that can be enjoyed by the wider community of healthcare staff, volunteers, and relatives. Our musicians’ sensitive approach helps to eliminate feelings of stigma and discrimination often experienced in healthcare by breaking down social and cultural barriers and the routine of long term care. The musicians do not provide miracle cures but magical moments of warmth and joy as they help to bring the person out of the patient.
