For a child undergoing treatment for childhood cancer, coping with lengthy hospital stays and the emotional toll of medical procedures can be incredibly challenging. Music therapy offers a unique solution, providing comfort and emotional relief, while helping children manage their feelings. It supports in reducing stress, anxiety, and even the need for general anaesthesia during medical procedures. 

Redkite has been a pioneer in funding music therapy for 25 years, becoming the largest independent funder of music therapists in paediatric hospitals across Australia. 

Redkite’s Music Therapy Program offers a holistic approach to healing, using music to support children’s emotional well-being and resilience. Research highlights the benefits of music therapy, including its role in boosting immune response, improving mood, and enhancing physical stability—all crucial during rigorous cancer treatments. Music therapy also offers an enjoyable and creative outlet in difficult times. 

Redkite Music Therapist ‘Music Matt,’ as he is known to the families, is a registered Redkite Music Therapist who has been providing music therapy services at Sydney Children’s Hospital, for over 10 years. He is passionate about the impact music therapy has on the wellbeing of all families facing childhood cancer.  

“It meets children where they are, helping them develop physical and emotional resilience through simple actions like clapping, stamping, and singing. I believe that music therapy can truly transform lives. One young patient, who couldn’t walk after a brain bleed, took her first steps months later, a milestone we celebrated through song.” 

In our Kids Cancer Conversations Podcast Episode 5: More Than a Melody; The Power of Music Therapy, features one family’s music therapy experience and how music helped their child manage fear, along with insights from one of Redkite’s expert music therapists. 

Music Therapy and Paediatric Oncology 

Redkite’s team of Music Therapists work with children receiving cancer treatment, and their families, to alleviate stress, explore emotions and manage grief. They help families make meaningful connections and provide a chance to create beautiful memories during a challenging time. Music therapy is an important tool to build on people’s strengths beyond a diagnosis, helping children to express themselves and helping their families navigate their child’s cancer journey. 

There is a substantial and growing body of research on the positive impact of music therapy in clinical settings – like a children’s cancer ward. The impact it has on children is profound and it’s always in demand. Research has shown music to increase a child’s immune response and their body’s production of endorphins to support faster recovery from medical procedures. It also helps them manage the stress and anxiety that comes with procedures like MRI and CT scans. For some children, these hospital procedures are so stressful they need to have a general anaesthetic before anything else and for some of these kids’ music therapy can help to the point where they don’t need the anaesthetic. 

Music can elevate a child’s mood and energy levels while also helping to regulate their heart rate, breathing and blood pressure (this is what happened to Sophie, as a child, when she was rushed to hospital critically ill). The therapy can also give children and young people an enjoyable, supportive, and creative environment where they can express themselves, regain a sense of control and stimulate important areas of growth and development. 

Access Kids Cancer Conversations with Georgie Gardner, podcasts easily on Redkite’s website and on Spotify and Apple podcasts.