Blog - OPUS Music CIC

Claire & Flo’s Story

16 July, 2025

At just 2 years and 8 months old, Florence has already shown more courage than many of us do in a lifetime. Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome – a rare and serious condition affecting normal blood flow through the heart – Flo’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Her life has been filled with hospital stays, procedures, and challenges that no child should ever have to face. But through all of it, there has been a constant presence bringing light, joy, and calm: music, and the musicians of OPUS Music CIC.

Music as Medicine for Babies and Young Children

10 July, 2025

When a child is admitted to hospital, it can be a time of deep stress and uncertainty, for the young patient, their family, and even the clinical staff around them. At OPUS Music CIC, we’ve long believed in the power of live music to support health and well-being, especially in the hospital environment. But belief alone is not enough, we also turn to science to back our work. Increasingly, medical research supports what we see every day: music can have measurable, beneficial effects on babies and young children in hospital, helping to reduce stress, ease pain, improve physiological stability, and support family bonding.

OPUS’ Response to the Climate Emergency

14 February, 2025

As part of our ongoing response to the climate emergency, we have taken inspiration from an exploratory session with climate activist and Healthcare Musician Dave McKenny.

Chris’ Story

29 November, 2024

Music has the power to heal, comfort, and uplift, even in the most challenging moments of life. For Chris and his mum, Marianne, music became a lifeline during a long and difficult journey through illness, and its impact continues to resonate in their lives today.

OPUS Music Training at Mansfield Community Hospital

24 October, 2024

OPUS Music recently delivered an invigorating and deeply engaging music training session at Mansfield Community Hospital, as part of our ongoing partnership with Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

On 16th October 2024, we at OPUS Music CIC were thrilled to be part of Sherwood Forest Hospitals Foundation Trust's Celebrating Excellence Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our work on building a "musical hospital," bringing music into the heart of patient care. Our musicians performed live throughout the day, creating moments of connection and joy for staff and patients alike.

Celebrating Excellence with SFHFT

19 October, 2024

On 16th October 2024, we at OPUS Music CIC were thrilled to be part of Sherwood Forest Hospitals Foundation Trust’s Celebrating Excellence Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our work on building a “musical hospital,” bringing music into the heart of patient care. Our musicians performed live throughout the day, creating moments of connection and joy for staff and patients alike.

OPUS Music Nick in Guernsey with a room full of people

Music Making in Guernsey

11 October, 2024

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.

Creating Music with the Radford Care Group

5 September, 2024

OPUS Music CIC has partnered with Redford Care Centre to introduce music sessions aimed at enhancing the emotional and physical well-being of older adults. The collaboration began after a staff member at the centre completed Music Care training, sparking the idea to integrate music into their care routine.

The Health Benefits of Music

15 August, 2024

Music has long been celebrated for its ability to evoke emotions, create connections, and inspire creativity. However, beyond its aesthetic appeal, music also offers numerous health benefits that are increasingly supported by scientific research.

Celebrating our partnership with SFHT

25 June, 2024

With Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, we are making strides towards a future where music is a vital part of healthcare, transforming the healing process one note at a time.

Year 1 as a National Portfolio Organisation Photo of Sarah, Rich, Nick, and Oli, in SFHT foyer playing music for staff

Year One as an NPO

4 June, 2024

he 4 November 2022 marked a pivotal moment in OPUS Music CIC’s history.

Oaklie’s Story

3 June, 2024

Oaklie’s Story From Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks Grow Bringing a

OPUS at Buckingham Palace

17 May, 2024

On May 15th, we had the immense honour of attending the Sovereign’s Creative Industries Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. It was a day filled with recognition, celebration, and a sense of pride for our work. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation

Addressing The Climate Crisis

17 April, 2024

We have been working with our mentor Dave McKenny exploring the climate crisis and developing a creative response. We are working on how we can integrate this into our Music in Healthcare Practice.
Read more…

Finding the right Rhythm

4 March, 2024

How does drumming support your health and wellbeing? We asked Rich to shed some light on the Bodhrán and what drumming means to him.

OPUS Community Music Sessions

31 January, 2024

Thanks to the generous support from Arts Council England, OPUS has been able to extend its reach, creating three music for wellbeing groups in Bolsover, Ashfield, and Nottingham.

OPUS Music CIC Parent Mental Health Day. Photos of parents making music.

OPUS Music and the Impact on Parent Mental Health

27 January, 2024

This Parent Mental Health Day, we feel it is important to highlight the transformative impact of music, on parents in hospital settings and in the community.

Music Making in Bolsover

30 October, 2023

In the serene surroundings of Hillstown Village Hall in Bolsover, something truly special is happening every Friday afternoon. A community music group led by OPUS Music has emerged as a source of inspiration and support for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s,

OPUS Music’s Compassionate Contribution to End-of-Life Care

14 October, 2023

OPUS Music’s Compassionate Contribution to End-of-Life Care This October the

Play in Hospital Week

13 October, 2023

Celebrating Play in Hospital Week 2023: Nurturing Creativity and Innovation in Play

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