Healthcare Musician

North Bristol NHS Trust & OPUS Music CIC are collaborating to develop a local approach to music-making on the wards at Southmead Hospital.

Shortlisted candidates should be prepared for music-making (with instrument&/or voice) on the day of the interview.

This is a Freelance role paid on a per session basis at the rate of £40ph/£300per day/£150 per half day, with expenses paid at a rate of £10 per in person session. Trainees recruited must attend all training dates. Successful recruitment to this pilot does not guarantee future paid opportunities outside commitments outlined below.

o 6 x 2-hour online training sessionso 2 x 7.5 hour days of in person trainingo 10 x 2.5-hour sessions of in person, hospital-based practice (including preparation & reflection)o 5 x 1-hour online mentoring sessions

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.

We are committed to supporting the region's vibrant music scene & reducing environmental impact. We are looking for musicians who can easily commute to North Bristol NHS Trust in a sustainable way. While we welcome all applications, we will prioritise musicians based in the region to help foster opportunities in an area where they are often limited.

Main duties of the job

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.

About us

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

Job responsibilities

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.

All Healthcare Musicians will complete mandatory Trust training and always adhere to health and safety guidance. They will engage in ongoing reflection and professional development to ensure safe, compassionate and high-quality practice on the wards.

This training and mentoring will be delivered by OPUS Music CIC as part of a partnership with Fresh Arts, partly funded by Arts Council England. This pilot project is also funded by donations to Southmead Hospital Charity.

Person Specification Musical Ability

• You have strong, hands-on experience of making music. Music is something you actively do and genuinely care about
• You play a portable musical instrument and/or use voice with the flexibility to play/sing quietly when required
• You can make music confidently without relying on written notation
• You can create music with people who may not have any musical training
• You are able and willing to draw upon music from a range of influences
• You have a genuine interest in music in health and care settings and the difference it can make to patient wellbeing
• You value developing your knowledge and understanding in this area

Creative Ability

• You are flexible in your music making and can adjust in the moment depending on how someone responds
• You listen closely and can sense the mood and energy of individuals or groups
• You understand what a person-centred approach means and why it matters in music making. If this is new to you, you are open to learning about it
• You see music as a way to connect with people and are willing to use it in that way
• You are willing to try different techniques and approaches in order to support positive changes in a participant's health and wellbeing

Interpersonal Skills

• You understand that music can support someone's wellbeing
• You feel open to adapting your approach to match a participant's behaviour and energy to build connection
• You can separate yourself from the response to your music
• You are open to allowing participants to influence and shape the music, rather than sticking rigidly to your own ideas
• You are sensitive to the needs of a wide range of people, including those who may be vulnerable
• You show empathy, patience, respect and consideration for others
• You are willing to complete all required training and follow guidance from the Music Manager and OPUS Music CIC's trainers/mentors

Communication Skills/Other Qualities

• You can adapt how you communicate in sensitive situations, both through what you say and how you say it
• You speak professionally with participants, including health and care staff
• You have a warm, positive and approachable manner
• You listen well and can follow clear direction
• You are based within the southwest within a 30 mile radius of Southmead Hospital

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£40 an hourFreelance role paid (please see job overview for further details)