Music therapy student brings healing harmonies to Townsville University Hospital

Support for patients at the Townsville University Hospital (TUH) rehabilitation unit has struck a new chord, bringing evidence-based healing through song, rhythm, and connection.

Western Sydney University (WSU) Master of Music Therapy student Katy Prideaux Frewen-Lord returned to her hometown of Townsville for a clinical placement at the rehabilitation unit, marking the first music therapy student placement of its kind in regional north Queensland.

Ms Prideaux Frewen-Lord placement was supported by the TUH rehabilitation unit in collaboration with the WSU music therapy education team and local clinicians.

Music therapy is a research-based clinical practice where trained professionals use music to support therapeutic goals such as improving communication, emotional expression, cognitive function, and physical coordination.

In a rehabilitation setting, this can mean supporting goals relating to rehabilitating functional speech and language, supporting motor function, stimulating memory and executive functioning, and enhancing mood and emotional wellbeing.

Ms Prideaux Frewen-Lord said therapy sessions ranged from expressive language and memory recall groups to social sing-alongs that fostered spontaneous engagement and connection, as well as tailored individual settings.

“The feedback from patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with increased engagement across disciplines and a growing appreciation for the therapeutic value of music,” Ms Prideaux Frewen-Lord said.

“We’ve seen striking breakthroughs, like non-verbal patients singing lyrics during social sing along sessions.

“We’ve also created space for cultural expression and identity, especially among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.”

One patient who experienced the benefits first-hand was Vince Higgins, who joined Katy’s sessions after suffering multiple strokes.

Previously withdrawn and struggling with mood and memory issues, Mr Higgins said music therapy had been “brilliant.”

“I’ve always loved music, playing drums, listening to the radio, and going to concerts like Air Supply and Pink Floyd,” Mr Higgins said.

As part of his therapy, Katy and Vince co-wrote a song titled ‘A hurdle in life, a determination to go on,’ drawing on Vince’s own words and experiences.

“Don’t dwell on the things in the past, think about the good times, be grateful for what you have,” Mr Higgins said, quoting lyrics from his song.

Ms Prideaux Frewen-Lord said Mr Higgins' engagement with music therapy marked a turning point in his recovery.

“Vince’s mood, engagement, ability to express emotions, and overall wellbeing have increased significantly,” she said.

“He’s told me on many occasions that writing and singing his song has given him a sense of purpose and pride during his time in the unit.

“Vince was seeking a platform to describe his rehabilitation experience to his loved ones, and recording the song means that Vince and his family have a tangible artefact.”

Mr Higgins said the experience helped him reconnect with memories affected by his strokes.

“Music brings back memory, it’s like a broken brain lighting up again,” he said.

“I plan to share the song we wrote with my children as a keepsake.

“I’m proud of what we’ve created, and hopeful Katy can come back to help other patients like me.”

TUH rehabilitation unit staff specialist Dr Anand Kumar said there was significant clinical proof of the impact music therapy could have across hospital settings.

“Music therapy is globally recognised as an effective treatment for various rehabilitation needs including cognitive, physical, behavioural, speech, and musculoskeletal,” Dr Kumar said.

“There’s growing momentum to explore how music therapy can be offered for patients, and having students undertake their placements here is one small way to achieve that.

“Staff and patients have already witnessed improvements during the placement as the therapy complements traditional rehab streams like physiotherapy and speech therapy.

“With this holistic approach, patients are more likely to engage with their recovery and have positive outcomes.”