Healthcare Musician

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North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) are working towards merging as one organisation from July 2026.

This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Should you join NBT as an employee prior to our organisations merging, your employment will be automatically transferred across to UHBW. Should your employment begin after our two Trusts merge, you will be employed directly by UHBW and therefore UHBW terms and conditions of service will apply

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Job overview

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

&/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.

• 6 x 2-hour online training sessions
• 2 x 7.5 hour days of in person training
• 10 x 2.5-hour sessions of in person, hospital-based practice (including preparation & reflection)
• 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.

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.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main 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

Please note that if you apply for a position with North Bristol NHS Trust, you may be contacted via TRAC or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your TRAC Account and email accounts including junk and spam folders.

If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.

If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151.

North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.

Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.