Breathe Resident Musicians

At Breathe Arts Health Research, we believe in the transformative power of live music to enhance health and well-being, especially in healthcare settings.

Live music serves as a powerful tool in hospitals, offering patients and their visitors a means to alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of connection during challenging times.

Resident Musicians at the Evelina London

Our Resident Musicians programme at Evelina London Children’s Hospital brings the healing power of music directly to children, families, and staff. Our musicians offer more than just a performance; they create meaningful connections. By engaging with patients, families, and staff, they tailor their music to resonate with individual emotions and experiences. This personalised approach fosters a sense of shared humanity, making each musical interaction a unique and therapeutic experience.

Two musicians came to play at my daughter's bedside and it was the most joyful moment of the whole week.
Parent of a patient at the Evelina

The Evelina: A Collaborative Approach

Collaborating closely with the hospital’s own play specialists, our musicians deliver spontaneous, interactive performances across various hospital settings, including wards, clinics, and waiting areas. Each session is tailored to the needs and preferences of the individuals present, ensuring a personalised and meaningful experience. Whether it’s a lullaby to soothe a newborn or an upbeat tune to uplift a teenager, our musicians adapt their repertoire to create a supportive and engaging environment.

Our musicians also play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of hospital staff. By providing moments of respite and joy, they help alleviate the pressures faced by healthcare professionals, fostering a more positive and cohesive work environment.

Music in healthcare has been part of my professional practice for over 15 years now, and I now see it as live music in its purest form. I believe that enriching the clinical atmosphere of a hospital unit with appropriate live music has a very powerful, and unifying effect on patients, staff, visitors and performers alike. It can temporarily take everyone out of the stress that is implicit to the environment and help create a positive memory in an otherwise stressful and sometimes traumatic experience.
Mark Levin, Breathe Resident Musician

Honouring Our Legacy at Guy’s and St Thomas’

We’re proud to say that for nearly two decades, our Resident Musicians programme brought live music to over 100 locations across Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. From daily ward visits to surprise pop-up performances, our musicians uplifted and calmed spaces, creating meaningful and memorable encounters.

While support from our long standing funder, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, for these programmes concluded at the end of 2024, the impact of our work at Guy’s and St Thomas’ continues to resonate. We are deeply grateful to our musicians, artists, staff, and supporters for their dedication and passion over the years. The memories of shared laughter, unexpected performances, and the many positive health outcomes witnessed will stay with us forever.

We’re so delighted to continue this vital work with our resident musicians through the amazing team of play specialists at the Evelina.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in supporting or learning more about our Resident Musicians programme at Evelina London, please contact [email protected]. Your support helps us continue to bring the healing power of live music to those who need it most.