Music Making in Guernsey

From 16-20 September, OPUS had the privilege of delivering a week-long training session in Guernsey, led by Nick. It was a packed, rewarding experience aimed at preparing local musicians to incorporate music into healthcare settings. Here’s a reflection on how the week unfolded.

Monday: Setting the Stage for Music Care

Our week kicked off at the School of Popular Music (SOPM), a well-regarded independent music school in Guernsey. The training group comprised three musicians, guitarists, ukulele and vocalists, all of whom are tutors at SOPM. The training was delivered at the invitation of the Head of Creative Health for the States of Guernsey, who plays a pivotal role in integrating arts into health and social care on the island.

The morning was spent getting to know one another, planning the week together, and preparing musical material for our first session in the hospital.  In the afternoon we headed to the hospital for our Music Care Training session, involving a broader group of participants including hospital staff.  It was an immersive introduction to the core themes of the training—connecting music and care, exploring holistic effects, and understanding the impact of sound and voice in healthcare environments. 

By the end of the day, the musicians had begun integrating into the hospital; it provided a vital opportunity for the musicians to introduce themselves to some of the hospital staff who would support us during the week.

‘The course yesterday was AMAZING!  I got so much out of it.  If we could all put in even a tiny fragment into our working lives caring it would make a difference… I hope that this learning experience can be done again as I am sure, people like me would enjoy it.’
Music Care Trainee (Member of Healthcare Staff)

Tuesday: Delving Deeper into Ethics and Musicianship

Day two was a full day at SOPM. We began by reflecting on the key takeaways from the previous day and diving into deeper discussions around suitable music, authenticity, and adaptations, which we light-heartedly referred to as “ch-ch-ch-ch-changes,” inspired by David Bowie.

The afternoon shifted towards ethics in music care. We explored these complex topics with the help of videos and real-life examples, including insights from Sam Vandiver at the Gifts of Arts Bedside Music Programme in Michigan, who joined us via Teams. Sam had been instrumental in making the introduction between OPUS and Health and Social Care in Guernsey.  These discussions were key to helping participants understand the importance of ethical considerations when delivering music in health settings, particularly when working with vulnerable populations.

Wednesday: Taking Music to the Wards

On Wednesday morning, we prepared musical material together, focusing on adaptability, before heading to the hospital in the afternoon. The goal for this session was to place music safely and appropriately into the hospital wards, focusing on creating a calming, musical presence.

One of the most profound moments came when we entered a ward that had previously been sceptical of how impactful music can be in healthcare. They quickly saw the gentle, person-centred approach and positive responses from patients, and staff became emotional witnessing the impact of the music. It was a powerful reminder of how music can quietly but profoundly change the atmosphere in healthcare settings.

Thursday: Deepening Engagement with Patients

Thursday was all about patient engagement. After starting the morning at SOPM with reflections and improvisation exercises, we returned to the hospital in the afternoon, focusing on engaging children, older adults, and people in long-term care, including those with dementia. The musicians worked in pairs, which allowed for more impactful interactions. Patients were invited to join in with instruments like the Hapi Drum and egg shakers, with some even singing along.

We also had a valuable debrief with the hospital’s visual artists, who take art packs around the wards on their Creativity Trolley. This interdisciplinary exchange helped both groups learn from each other, deepening our understanding of the different ways creative arts can enrich patient care. 

Friday: A Powerful Conclusion

Friday started early at a Healthcare Innovations Conference, where the musicians performed and engaged attendees in music-making before the conference began. This was a great opportunity to further advocate for the power of music in healthcare, with images from OPUS and the week of training displayed on a large screen while we played.

‘I just wanted to say thank you for the music at the conference- everyone really enjoyed it- & great characters too’. Associate Director, Health and Social Care.

The morning was spent revisiting the hospital wards for one last round of practice. These final moments were filled with meaningful interactions between musicians, patients, and staff, demonstrating the transformative power of music. One standout moment came in a ward with a percussion-playing occupational therapist and a singing nurse, both of whom helped engage patients in making music. Staff across all wards expressed their appreciation and excitement for the musicians’ visits, asking when they would return—a clear indicator of the programme’s success.

Looking Forward

By Friday afternoon, it was clear that the week had been a success. It was expressed that out of all the Creative Health initiatives they had tried within the hospital, this was the most impactful and instantly effective. The musicians also reflected on how the week had transformed their practices, with many expressing how grateful they were to have taken part.

‘This training was truly a humbling and life changing experience, not only did it give me a fundamental understanding of music care but it also has changed my practice and outlook as a musician and teacher for the better.’  
Trainee Healthcare Musician

The week in Guernsey highlighted the incredible potential of music in healthcare settings. It not only enriched the lives of patients but also inspired the musicians and staff involved. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum, with hopes of returning to Guernsey soon to continue supporting the development of this impactful programme.