Children's Art

Workshops

Exhibitions

Festivals

Music as Therapy

Since the Trad Og project in 2006 Alternative Entertainments have collaborated with the Adelaide & Meath Hospital, Tallaght in the development, management and delivery of music therapy recitals and workshops in varios wards and public spaces in the hospital. The latest initiative Fleadh an Ospideal ran from April - December 2010. Fleadh an Ospideal 2010 was a series of traditional music sessions and workshops. The 2010 series built upon the success of Trad San Ospideal in 2008 and Ceol & Slainte in 2009. The hospital established a strong relationship with the Alternative Entertainments music education project The Des Carty Music school and piloted an innovative traditional music programme which has grown to be the most substantial traditional music programme in healthcare in Ireland. This work is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Des Carty Music School and the National Centre for Arts and Health at the hospital.
A new series of workshops, recitals and bedside sessions begins in early April 2011.

The aims of the ongoing projects are:
+ To bring traditional music to those who cannot access traditional venues. The audiences included out-patient department, children's ward, age related day hospital, psychiatry ward, neurology and waiting areas including the atrium.
+ To provide platform space for local traditional musicians to gain experience as musicians in residence and working in hospital setting.
+ To bring workshops on traditional music to new audiences, developing an ongoing relationship between key musicians and patients by teaching participants how to play simple tunes and trying instruments like tin whistles and spoons.
+ Hold special traditional music events in the hospital as a venue for Alternative Entertainments. For example, two special events were held for patients at Christmas and a number of events were held as part of the Alternative Entertainments festival The Des Carty Sessions in 2009 and 2010.
+ Develop expertise in the area of traditional music in hospital

This collaboration brings traditional music of a high artistic quality to new audiences and those who cannot access traditional venues. It is a nationally innovative programme based in one of the major arts and health sites in this country. In terms of traditional music and healthcare this is the first and the most developed project of its kind. Based on our extensive experience we are now beginning a specific programme following consultation with patients, staff and musicians involved in the last programme. All three groups are united in wishing to develop this work between traditional musicians and patients in a more depth fashion and to continue to bring high quality music to the hospital. Our 2011 programme will extend the provision of recitals and workshops to patients with disabilities, and will build on the highly successful 'bedside' element introduced in 2010. Training for musicians interested in working in the Arts & Health field will be lead by musicians experienced in the area.

As part of the evaluation we asked the musicians for feedback. Their comments are here:

How do patients gain from hearing live music?

Music seems to be a common denominator between performer and patient and they can possibly
ecape from the normal for an hour and have interaction with people who are not there to look after
or assess them.

I think patients gain in a number of ways from hearing live music in hospital, the main one being
that it provides a social setting for them and this usually leads to more interaction with each
other and individual self expression. Providing live music for patients shows there is care and
consideration being put into all of their needs and not just the physical/psychiatric ailments. Live
music has the potential to move people both physically and emotionally. Research has shown that
some benefits of music in healthcare include emotional, physical, psychological, cognitive and
social gains.

What do you, as a performer, gain from performing in hospital?

Performing to anyone who reacts to your music is good. The patients all reacted in some way and
a joyful hour was enjoyed by all. I gain from this experience

As a musician, I have re-discovered the transformative power of music. Working at the hospital
allows me to connect with people in a real way, through my music and song. I sometimes end up
hearing great songs from other folk and have also accompanied original pieces. To perform at a
hospital is a special privilege which I value greatly.

What would you like us to do in the future?

It is a good idea to continue this programme.
Have a box of instruments for this project e.g. wooden spoons, harmonica, shakers, bodhran, also
some traditional song books. Perhaps a monthly gathering of staff and patients for an evening of
ceol agus craic?

Can you describe any highlights from your time performing in the hospital?

One guy with red hair was at the session and he was pretty quiet. When we asked him did he
have a request he requested 'Stand by me'. When we sang it he looked really happy. An older
more hyper guy dancing was priceless and he seemed to be really enjoying it. Also an older man
doing his thin Lizzy impression of 'the boys are back in town' was great.

I have been told and seen for myself, the lifting of spirits whilst people were listening/moving/
singing to music. Once a lady came up to me at the end of the session and said 'I was feeling
very low when I came in here but ye're music has made me feel so much better. Thank you for
that'. Another time a client was simply smiling and clapping throughout. On another occasion a
patient kept in the background moving around the room until eventually he came up to us, asked
to borrow the guitar and blew me away with his version of a well known classic.

A lady who was 101 gave me a kiss in appreciation of our music! Another lady looked 'out of it' in
her bed when we arrived (propped up sideways across the bed with eyes closed). After hearing
our first song she slapped the pillow and called for more! She then asked to be lifted more upright
and proceeded to join in some of the songs. This work amazes me each and every time and I feel
so happy when I see the benefits for people, including myself.