The effects of original songwriting in music therapy sessions on the hospice experience and bereavement process of patients and their families

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that music therapy, and songwriting in particular, have on the family members of hospice patients. Participants (N=8) were chosen from an available group of families who experienced songwriting in hospice care, whether the patient wrote all or part of a song, or the family wrote a song about the patient. Individual interviews were conducted with each participant, and each participant answered a series of questions regarding their hospice experience, their perception of their loved one's experience, their bereavement, and their experience with music therapy. Results showed that families found hospice overall to be a very positive experience, and that music therapy played a large role in all their perceptions of hospice care. All participants initiated discussion of music therapy and their family's song early in the interview, and all had many positive things to say about the music therapist, the song, and the meaning the song had for them and their family. In the majority of cases, the song written in music therapy was played at the memorial or funeral service. Other common themes noted were that for many, the song sent a message, embodied their loved one, or gave their loved one a sense of purpose. Many of the participants knew nothing or little of music therapy prior to their experience in hospice, and they all found it to be rewarding, and much more involved than they expected. Many of the participants still listen to the song, although a few indicated that it was difficult for them or that they could not listen to it yet. However, they all said that the song has a special meaning for them.