Healthcare Musician

North Bristol NHS Trust & OPUS Music CIC are collaborating to develop a local approach to mu
sic-making on the wards at Southmead Hospital.
We are recruiting experienced musicians curious about using music in a hospital setting to support people’s wellbeing. Successful applicants will join a structured training pathway to develop the skills and confidence needed to work safely & effectively within the Trust’s clinical spaces.
Successful candidates will undertake training as a Healthcare Musician which includes person centered practice, the practicalities and ethics of working in clinical environments and reflective practice. Alongside this training, they will begin to observe and gradually deliver ward-based music making.

As a Healthcare Musician, you will deliver live music on hospital wards, responding to the needs, preferences and energy of patients, families and staff. You will initiate and shape musical interactions that may involve listening, improvising, singing, playing familiar songs or co-creating new music. Sessions may take place at the bedside, in shared bays or communal ward spaces.

You will build professional relationships with ward staff and work in line with all Trust policies, including infection prevention, safeguarding and confidentiality.
he Healthcare Musician in training will participate fully in the structured training programme and demonstrate a willingness to develop the specific skills required for hospital-based practice.

As the training progresses, they will plan and deliver ward-based music making sessions, while remaining supported by online mentoring. Healthcare Musicians will use their skills to deliver up to ten responsive music sessions on hospital wards between September 2026 to February 2027.