Virtual music therapy hits a high note

Eighteen families from across four states, all facing the challenge of childhood cancer, tuned out from their cares, and rocked out to the classics during Redkite’s first online national music therapy session.

The free hour-long event, starring Redkite-funded music therapist, Matt Ralph from the Sydney Children’s Hospital on guitar and Redkite Ambassador, Harry Cunningham from the Sydney Swans as backup vocalist, provided some much-needed stress-relief for children and parents alike.

The song list included renditions of ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star’, ‘The wheels on the bus’, ‘Five little speckled frogs’ and the Wiggles’ smash hit, ‘Hot potato’.

Redkite, the country’s leading children’s cancer support organisation, funds music therapists in paediatric oncology units around Australia. While very different from music therapy delivered in hospital, this informal conversation and sing-along provided a moment of connection and creative expression for the children and their parents at a time when they are more isolated than ever before.

Redkite’s CEO, Monique Keighery, said children with cancer and their families were the unseen collateral damage of COVID-19.

“We’re hearing from families from all walks of life who are now experiencing unprecedented levels of distress caused by COVID-19, with the life of their immunocompromised child under greater threat than ever before.

“Music is a great stress reliever and it has always helped bring people together. Our online music therapy session was another way we’re supporting our families who can’t be forgotten and left to cope alone,” Ms Keighery said.

Both Harry Cunningham and Matt Ralph are available for interview and please contact the PR Coordinator for footage of the music therapy session.