QEPEP Medical Student Training
Supporting Holistic Healthcare Through Live Music
Songbirds Music UK & University of Manchester
Songbirds Music UK has been welcoming medical students onto QEPEP (Quality Enhancement of Placement Experience Programme) placements with the University of Manchester Medical School since the first pilot programmes in 2014. Led by founders Dr Ros Hawley and Mark Fisher alongside the wider Songbirds practitioner team, these placements invite future doctors into the musical life of Royal Manchester Children's Hospital — from bedside music-making to lively atrium sessions filled with improvisation, interaction, and shared creativity.
Learning Through Participation
Through ward visits, atrium sessions, reflective discussions, and hands-on participation, students experience first-hand how live music can support children, young people, and families during hospitalisation. Alongside witnessing the impact of creative engagement, students explore how music can encourage communication, play, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and meaningful connection within healthcare environments. The placements offer a unique opportunity to step outside traditional medical training and experience a more holistic, person-centred approach to care.
Student Reflection
Medical students consistently describe the QEPEP placement as a unique and valuable part of their medical education.
"It was completely different to anything I have done in my medical training so far and was an important reminder to think of patients holistically."
— Sarah Etherington, University of Manchester Medical Student
Sarah reflected on how the session provided a refreshing perspective on patient care:
"We are often taught in medical school to remember facts about conditions and medical treatments, so this session was a breath of fresh air, showing how non-medical interventions are instrumental in patient care."
Following a recent session, student Theo shared:
"I really enjoyed playing with all the children and their parents together in the group. To see everyone together and happy and joining in made me smile."
Student Ellie Kendall described her experience both in hospital sessions and online:
"Playing in the atrium of RMCH was a magical experience. I witnessed how every person's face — child and adult — lit up instantly when crossing the threshold into the musical world Songbirds created."
She also observed the impact on families:
"Parents also got involved and you could see the stress melt away from them as they watched their children engaging so positively in this, often scary, environment."
Reflections from Songbirds Musicians
Songbirds musicians also value the opportunity to support the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Jodie reflected on a recent placement session:
"All of the students were really engaged with the music making. We explored shared leadership, interaction, participation, and audience engagement through music. Taking the music into the hospital corridors also helped students see how live music can reach and connect with people beyond the immediate session."
Grace, who has delivered QEPEP sessions for three consecutive years, commented:
"This is the third year I have delivered a PEP session and each time I have taken away something different. Working with this year's medical students was very enjoyable as they got stuck in and asked lots of questions."
She also noted the unique musical contributions students bring:
"I've learned that the banjo is a lovely instrument in the hospital. It really added an ambience and was played with sensitivity by the student."
Recognition from the University of Manchester
The impact of the programme has been recognised by the University of Manchester MB ChB Programme.
Professor Margaret Kingston, Director of Undergraduate Medical Studies, alongside Dr Elora Baishnab and Dr Enam Haque, Joint Heads of GP Teaching, wrote:
"I am writing to congratulate you on the positive feedback you have received from the medical students that you recently hosted in Year 5 QEPEP."
They added:
"Your efforts are truly appreciated by the MB ChB Programme and the Community Team at the University of Manchester. Many thanks for supporting our students' education and making their experience on placement a positive one."
Impact
Across multiple years of delivery, students consistently describe the QEPEP placement as one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences within their medical training. The programme provides opportunities to:
· Experience creative approaches within healthcare settings
· Develop awareness of holistic, person-centred care
· Observe communication and engagement beyond clinical interventions
· Reflect on participation, empathy, and human connection
· Witness the role of music in supporting wellbeing for patients and families
Through QEPEP, Songbirds Music UK continues to help future healthcare professionals recognise the value of creativity, connection, and compassionate care within clinical practice.