Healing through music

In recognition of Music Therapy Awareness Month, St. Joseph’s is celebrating the remarkable impact music therapists make in the lives of our patients and residents. Learn how music therapist Jill Kennedy collaborates with residents in St. Joseph’s Veterans Care Program to create meaningful and healing legacy recordings. 

Music therapist Jill Kennedy strums her guitar while singing alongside 84-year-old veteran Arnold Collar. Their voices – and smiles – come together to create a beautiful vocal harmony.  

Jill and Arnold recently collaborated on a special legacy recording during their music therapy sessions. The recording, voiced by Arnold himself, is a compilation of personal stories, family history and heartfelt songs. The recipients of the recording are two very special people in his life – his grandsons. 

“They mean everything to me,” smiles Arnold.  

Legacy recordings, which were introduced at St. Joseph’s Health Care London by Jill, involves patients or residents recording messages, stories, songs, or sentiments for their loved ones. The process can take several months, and upon completion, the recording is transferred onto a CD or memory stick and shared with family or friends. Typically, Jill works on these projects with palliative care patients, but the program has now extended to include residents within St. Joseph's Veterans Care Program. 
 
“Music therapy sessions with veterans, along with crafting legacy recordings, can create a sense of connectedness and positive shared experiences,” explains Jill.  “The emotional qualities of music can provide a veteran with comfort, elicit joy, create feelings of safety and help them to share their stories and feelings in a supportive environment.” 

Music Therapy is a discipline in which credentialed professionals use music purposefully within the therapeutic relationship to enhance quality of life. It involves using musical elements to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, communication and personal development. Music Therapy is different from musical entertainment as it focuses on health outcomes, while creating specific goals tailored to the needs of each individual resident or patient. 

For Arnold, whose love for music began at an early age, the legacy project proved to be a perfect fit. He began playing brass instruments, including the cornet, when he was just five years old. Currently, he sings at church services, and for the past few years, has joined Jill in singing duets as part of the Veteran’s Care Program’s talent show.  

“Music has always been a part of my life,” says Arnold. “When I was younger, I remember going to church with my mother and being part of the choir. During the military, I also played with several notable bands.” 

Arnold enlisted in the military at the age of seventeen, where he would go on to serve in Germany for nearly thirteen years. During his time there, he played in various distinguished military bands, including the Band of the Royal Regiment of Canada. 

Arnold's legacy project, however, is inspired by more than just his passion for music; it’s also fueled by his love for his two grandchildren. In his recordings, Arnold shares anecdotes from his military service, family history, and performs two heartfelt songs, accompanied by Jill on guitar, dedicated to his grandsons.  

"The songs I chose and sung in the recording were ones I used to sing to them when they were little," says Arnold. “I used to walk along the beach with them and sing these songs to them. They bring back such great memories.” 

Legacy projects with music therapists can be both emotionally healing and difficult. While they provide a platform for patients to express themselves and leave behind meaningful messages, they may also evoke intense emotions and memories. 

Arnold’s daughter, the mother of his two grandchildren, lost her battle with cancer a few years ago. The legacy project also serves as a way for him to express his grief and provide his grandsons with a level of comfort and a reminder that he is always there for them. 

“There were both happy and sad moments during this process,” explains Arnold. “A few tears were shed but I’m happy I did it.” 

Jill adds, “facilitating the creation of legacy projects is an incredibly meaningful experience. It is heartwarming to witness the profound impact music and vocal recordings have in allowing patients and residents to share their stories and leave behind lasting messages for those they cherish.” 

While difficult at times, Arnold says he is grateful to have completed his legacy project. 

“Working with Jill has been such a gift,” smiles Arnold. “She provided the calm and supportive space I needed to leave this special gift for my grandchildren. I feel incredibly lucky to be here.”