Music has been a source of comfort, inspiration and healing for centuries. From ancient civilisations using music in rituals to modern-day therapeutic practices, the power of sound goes beyond entertainment – it has the ability to heal. This is where music therapy comes in, an evidence-based clinical practice that uses the power of music to improve physical, emotional, cognitive and social well-being, especially for individuals undergoing challenging health journeys like cancer treatment.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is a professional discipline where trained therapists use music to help individuals achieve specific therapeutic goals. It involves a variety of techniques, including listening to music, singing, playing instruments, songwriting and guided music-based activities. For cancer patients, music therapy can be a great tool for reducing stress, improving emotional resilience and enhancing overall quality of life (1).
The benefits of music therapy for cancer patients
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Helps patients feel calmer before, during and after treatments – a clinical trial found a 20% reduction in anxiety levels among radiation therapy patients who listened to self-selected music and more often, experienced declines in treatment-related distress (2).
- Enhanced mood
- Affects neurophysiological responses as research shows that music influences the limbic system, triggering positive hormonal and endocrine responses that reduce stress and enhance mood (3).
- Improved sleep quality
- Soothing music helps cancer patients manage sleep disturbances commonly experienced during treatment – a study on lung cancer patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy found that patients who participated in music therapy showed notably better sleep after chemotherapy (4).
- Boosted immune system
- Studies suggest that music therapy may lower stress hormones and promote overall immune function – a study found that women with breast cancer who listened to music had higher levels of CD3 and CD4/CD8 proteins, which are key to immune system function. Music also boosted natural killer (NK) cell activity, indicating a positive effect on immune response (5).
- Increased social engagement
- Group music therapy sessions can help patients combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Who can benefit from music therapy?
- Newly diagnosed patients experiencing emotional distress
- Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Patients in palliative or hospice care seeking comfort
- Cancer survivors looking for mental and emotional healing post-treatment
Practical ways to use music for wellness in Melbourne
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Peter Mac offers a dedicated music therapy program designed to help patients manage the physical and emotional aspects of their illness. Services include opportunities for reflection and creating musical gifts for loved ones. Referrals can be organised through a specialist or a member of the treating team. https://www.petermac.org
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre
Part of Austin Health, the ONJ Centre provides music therapy as a component of its wellness and supportive care services. Patients and their families can engage in individual or small group sessions, both in-person and online. Activities include listening to music, songwriting and music relaxation techniques – all aimed at reducing stress and enhancing quality of life. https://www.onjcancercentre.org
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital
The Royal Melbourne Hospital offers music therapy services to inpatients, focusing on areas such as clinical haematology and bone marrow transplant, neurology and stroke, and palliative care. The program emphasises original songwriting, live music participation and has ongoing research into the positive impacts of music therapy on mood and quality of life for cancer patients. https://www.thermh.org.au
- Mind Body Music Therapy
This private practice specialises in evidence-based music therapy for chronic pain and illness, including cancer. With over five years of clinical experience at institutions like the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, they offer personalised sessions aimed at pain management, anxiety reduction and emotional expression. https://mindbodymusictherapy.com.au
- Tilegne Therapy Services
Tilegne Therapy provides music therapy services addressing various conditions, including cancer. Their registered music therapists employ evidence-based techniques to improve clients’ quality of life, offering both individual and group sessions tailored to the needs of each patient. https://tilegnetherapy.com.au
Some grant recipients from the Christina Ghobadi Foundation have chosen to invest their funding in music-related activities or products, such as purchasing a piano. This decision highlights the powerful connection between music and wellbeing.
How to apply for a wellness grant for music therapy through The Christina Ghobadi Foundation
- Apply for a grant
If you are aged between 18 and 30 years of age and living with or recovering from cancer, consider applying for a grant detailing the desired wellness activity that you would like to do, such as music therapy sessions, and how it would benefit your recovery journey. (Click here to Apply)
- Contact the Foundation
Reach out directly to The Christina Ghobadi Foundation to discuss the suitability of music therapy as a grant-funded activity. (Click here to Contact Us)
- Forward this information to some-one you know
If you know some-one who fits this criteria and would benefit from receiving a grant to help with their recovery please forward this information onto them.
References:
- Stanczyk, M. M. (2011). Music therapy in supportive cancer care. Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy, 16(5), 170–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpor.2011.04.005
- Clark, M., Isaacks-Downton, G., Wells, N., Redlin-Frazier, S., Eck, C., Hepworth, J. T., & Chakravarthy, B. (2006). Use of Preferred Music to Reduce Emotional Distress and Symptom Activity During Radiation Therapy. Journal of Music Therapy, 43(3), 247–265. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/43.3.247
- Krout, R. E. (2007). Music listening to facilitate relaxation and promote wellness: Integrated aspects of our neurophysiological responses to music. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 34(2), 134–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2006.11.001
- Tang, H., Chen, L., Wang, Y., Zhang, Y., Yang, N., & Yang, N. (2021). The efficacy of music therapy to relieve pain, anxiety, and promote sleep quality, in patients with small cell lung cancer receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06152-6
- Bradt, J., Dileo, C., Myers-Coffman, K., & Biondo, J. (2021). Music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in people with cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021(10). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd006911.pub4
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