Healing Through Harmony: The Power of Music in Healthcare at Derby & Burton Hospitals.
Arts & Toast with Kirsty Corbett
Tuesday, 6 October 2026 - 19 minutes
In this episode, we explore the powerful role of music, creativity and the arts in healthcare across the East Midlands with Rosie Rutherford, lead of the music programme at Air Arts.Rosie shares her experiences of bringing live music and creative activity into clinical environments, and explains how the arts can make a meaningful difference to patients, families and healthcare staff. The conversation explores the growing importance of NHS staff wellbeing, including how music can help colleagues process challenging experiences, build connections and find moments of support within the pressures of healthcare.A key focus is the Air Arts wellbeing choir, which was launched online during the COVID-19 pandemic to support NHS staff. What began as a virtual choir has grown into an established community where healthcare colleagues can come together through singing, share experiences and connect with people who understand the unique pressures of working in the NHS.Rosie also talks about some of the creative collaborations and music projects developed through her work, including the memorable partnership with Derby Cathedral. She reflects on projects such as A Grateful Heart and The Longest Winter, which gave healthcare staff an opportunity to tell their stories and express their experiences through music.Looking to the future, Rosie discusses new music representing different clinical areas, as well as projects that will help raise funds for Air Arts and support its continued work bringing music and creativity into healthcare settings across Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands.This thoughtful conversation highlights how music can create space for communication, emotional expression, connection and wellbeing, demonstrating the important role creativity can play in supporting people throughout their healthcare journey — from patients and families to the NHS staff caring for them.Whether you're interested in music in healthcare, NHS wellbeing, arts and health, creative projects in Derbyshire, or inspiring stories from the East Midlands, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the difference creativity can make.
