SONGBIRDS FLEDGLINGS:
Musician’ Professional Development Project 2025
Working musically with children in hospital pediatric ward settings
Songbirds & The Royal Northern College of Music
In 2025, Songbirds and the RNCM are delighted to continue the professional development programme designed to support musicians in bringing their skills into hospital settings. This year, a new group of musicians will join the Songbirds team, working alongside health play specialists and children and families across Manchester Foundation Trust hospitals.
Building on the success of the past two years, the programme offers tailored training and hands-on experience to help musicians develop their practice in healthcare environments, grow their professional networks, and explore new career pathways in this field.
"The Fledglings project has strengthened our long term relationship with the RNCM, and enabled the talents and enthusiasm of the RNCM 's young students to be shared with young patients at RMCH, many of whom are experiencing health inequality, health inequity, life affecting or life limiting conditions, and who face, on a daily basis, the continual emotional and practical disruption caused by hospitalisations.
This project is groundbreaking and highly impactful, reaching many children and families across Manchester Foundation Trust, enabling students to explore the field of creative health and hospital musicianship in depth before graduating from the RNCM. This means their creative, entrepreneurial, musical, interpersonal and professional skills are further developed in this field than many of their peers, at this stage of building their future careers.
The Fledgling musicians are brave and committed - the transition they have to make from concert hall to hospital ward is a huge step, and they show dedication, passion and an empathy for others less fortunate in doing so. "
—— Ros and Mark, creative leads, Fledglings training programme
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
Stage 1 - Introductory Training:
The first stage of the Fledgling Residency consists of three days of practical workshops and skills training, focusing on working in paediatric hospital settings and building connections with professionals in the field.
The first two sessions are held at the RNCM, where musicians receive essential knowledge and skill-building training. The third session takes place at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, allowing musicians to familiarize themselves with the hospital environment while practicing as a group.
Throughout the training, musicians develop both individually and collaboratively, building skills for hospital music-making, including ensemble playing, improvisation, performance, and child-led activities, all while fostering teamwork and honing observation skills.
Stage 2 - Shadowing Visits:
After the training sessions, our musicians, guided by Songbirds' Specialist Musicians, observe work in practice on the wards at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. They shadow for at least two sessions, either individually or in pairs, with some musicians also taking the opportunity to play instruments themselves.
This stage is crucial for musicians to gain hands-on experience in real ward settings, learning the safety protocols, health considerations, and procedures required when working in such environments. It also helps them understand the atmosphere and dynamics of the space.
These visits help build confidence and assess the right time and appropriate way to play, enhancing their ability to respond intuitively and thoughtfully in future sessions.
Stage 3 - Fledgling Residency::
At this stage, our musicians work in pairs, lead independent music sessions across four hospital sites in Greater Manchester, supported by the Songbirds team and Health Play staff.
These sessions are full of spontaneity and joy, with children of all ages engaging through singing, playing instruments, and leading the mood. While initially nervous, the musicians have gained confidence through hands-on experience and mutual support. One musician shared:
"A patient conducted us with her tambourine, and when she flipped it mid-song, J responded with her violin. The little girl’s laughter made my day!"
During the residency, musicians reflect creatively and receive mentor support from Ros and Mark. They are growing in confidence, making in-the-moment decisions, and improving their improvisation skills.
Stage 4 - ::Creative Reflection:
At the conclusion of the Fledgling project, our musicians gathered to reflect on their transformative journey. Through candid discussions, they shared their experiences, challenges, and moments of joy, highlighting the profound impact of their work in hospital settings.
From the first notes to growing confidence, we are incredibly proud of what the Fledgling musicians have achieved on the wards. Their growth and the impact they've made are truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see where their journey takes them next.
“As a university student, I believe it’s inevitable to feel lost or uncertain at times about the direction of one’s future, or even the meaning behind the constant pressure and studying.
I’m currently in my third year at the Royal Northern College of Music, one of the most prestigious conservatoires in the UK, yet my journey has not been without doubt. Throughout my studies, I have faced moments that tested my resilience and made me question my purpose.
The placement with the Songbirds Fledglings Project offered a turning point. From the first inductions with Ros and Mark, I was moved by their empathy, enthusiasm, and gentle approach. Their dedication inspired me deeply.
Working in hospital settings taught me how to use my instrumental skills purposefully and meaningfully by adapting them to suit the needs of each situation. I witnessed firsthand how music could have a powerful effect — not only on the patients and hospital staff, but also on my own emotional wellbeing.
Seeing the impact of the music I created encouraged me to reflect on myself, both critically and positively. This experience has changed me significantly as a musician and has clarified my desire to pursue more community-focused music projects in the future.”
—— Fledglings musician
