Web site: Swansong - writing songs with people at end of life

The SwanSong Project is a charity that helps people facing end of life or bereavement to write and record their own original songs.   Since the beginning of Covid, they've developed ways to support this work virtually and they are now offering this opportunity nationally.

See more at their website

Article: Lived experiences of singing in a community hospice bereavement support music therapy group

This study, from a Canadian Hospice examined the singing experiences of seven women who participated in a bereavement support music therapy group.  The participants wrote feedback after each singing group session providing a narrative of their experiences and the benefits they felt it brought them.

Young, L. & Pringle, A. 2018.  Lived experiences of singing in a community hospice bereavement support music therapy group.  Bereavement Care, 37 (2) p 55 - 66.

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Article: Song of Life: music therapy in terminally ill patients with cancer

This aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility, acceptance and potential effectiveness of a novel music therapy intervention to improve life closure and spiritual well-being of terminally ill patients with cancer receiving palliative care.  Fifteen patients participated.  The intervention consisted of two sessions, containing a biographical interview and a live performance of a song with high relevance to the patients in a lullaby style.  The results showed medium-sized improvements with regard to life closure, well being, relaxation, worry and pain.  The authors conclude further consideration with regard to procedures and outcomes is necessary before implementation of a randomised trial. 

Warth, M. et al. 2018. "Song of Life": music therapy in terminally ill patients with cancer.  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 8 (2) p 167 - 170.

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Article: Music therapy in a UK palliative and end of life care setting: a service evaluation

A survey was sent to the British Association of Music Therapists to identify the provision, role and perceived impact of music therapy in palliative care settings.  Fifty respondents replied working predominantly in adult neurological, cancer and dementia settings, providing information on format of sessions, therapeutic approaches, therapeutic goals and impact.   Only a minority received statutory state funding for their role.  The survey respondents commonly cited improving quality of life as a goal of care.  The authors noted that a stronger evidence base could encourage more consistent funding for this role.

Graham-Wisener L, Watts G, Kirkwood J, et al.  Music therapy in UK palliative and end-of-life care: a service evaluation.  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Published Online First: 22 February 2018.

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