Music therapy uses music to offer children in hospital the opportunity to communicate and express themselves .It uses a combination of singing playing and listening and takes on many forms . Instrumental and vocal improvisation Composition of songs Singing favourite nursery rhymes/pop songs Sound stories-using music to illustrate characters/themes /moods/in story books. Offering music to relax ,stimulate , and /or invigorate.

Hospital is a stressful and strange experience for children and music therapy like play is a medium through which children can express themselves, their thoughts and feelings.

My experience and that of the Multi Disciplinary Team ( this includes nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, school teachers, physiotherapists as well as play specialists) of Music Therapy over the last few months at the John Radcliffe Hospital has been extremely positive.

Working with Ceridwen Rees, the Music Therapist, the children have enjoyed playing instruments, writing songs and singing as well as having lots of fun!

The music has been available to a wide range of children and families, some of whom spend long periods in hospital and some for whom this is their first visit. The music can be incorporated into the child's care and treatment as it encourages movement and speech as well as boosting their self esteem and confidence. Many of the "regular" children look for ward to Ceridwens sessions and she has even been able to help with someone with their music school work!

The benefits to the hospitalised child of having access to music therapy under Ceridwens care and expertise have been immense. As I write this I can hear a session taking place in the room next door, I can hear various instruments and singing, it is a time when the child can forget about their illness or circumstances and pleasure and fun takes over helping them to feel more positive and relaxed.

Christine Turner -Senior play specialist on the children's ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Meet Ceridwen Rees | More about music therapy |  How music therapy helps a child

New Therapy Rooms.

In February 2007 we moved into our  two new music therapy rooms at the John Radcliffe. This is a very exciting step for us and Ceridwen is now settling into these cosy rooms and we are in the process of  furnishing them with comfortable sofas and attractive colours so they look less hospital like. The picture below was taken in March 2007 in one of our new rooms. Ceridwen is working with two young patients who are obviously enjoying their music session . The guitar belonged to Rosie herself. It is good to see that it is being enjoyed.