Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Academic Year

2025-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction: Music is a remarkably powerful art form that has the potential to impact people in innumerable ways. This project seeks to explore the many ways patients think about and use music in their lives, whether it be as a source of healing, a reminder of their past memories, an outlet to express emotions, or a companion through whatever challenges they may face.

Methods: This project partnered with an existing workshop run by Josh Robinson for patients in the Headache Unit at Jefferson Methodist Hospital. The first part of these sessions involved a “Soundtrack to My Life” activity where patients are asked to recall songs that connect to different moments and memories in their lives, and then are encouraged to share these songs and stories with the group. Following this, patients were asked further questions regarding their views on music and the role it plays in their lives as patients. This open-ended research method allows for a wide variety of perspectives and experiences to be captured and depicted in this project.

Results: A common theme that several patients mentioned actually somewhat goes against the assumption that music has no side effects or downsides as a source of healing. Given their common diagnosis of chronic headaches and migraines, many patients actually found it painful or aggravating to listen to music as much as they normally would, a fact which is all the more tragic given how deeply many of these patients feel a passion for and connection to the music they love. Virtually every patient shared an example of how music has helped them in their lives, whether it be how the lyrics allow them understand or process an aspect of their medical condition or relationships with others, how gospel music connects them to their faith, or how different kinds of music than they would normally listen to (like delta waves or more soothing music) can actually give them some relief and healing from their headaches. Perhaps the most powerful and striking theme that all of the patients shared, though, is just how grateful they were to meet and relate to patients who had similar diagnoses. Headaches in particular are a condition that is often overlooked and downplayed in society, so it was truly powerful to see how, through sharing and talking about music, these patients were able to open up and realize that they are not alone in their conditions and that there are many other people who can truly understand and relate to what they are going through.

Discussion/Conclusions: The fact that many headache patients find it difficult or painful to listen to the music that means so much to them demonstrates the importance of educating patients about finding different kinds and sources of music so that they don’t have to sacrifice their love of music due to their medical conditions. This project highlights so many examples of how music has been a companion and source of comfort for these patients, and so the utmost care should be given to preserve the access these patients have to music. On a personal level, this experience has also shown me the importance of simply listening to patients and seeking to understand how they feel and what they are going through on a daily basis. Finally, the results of this project show how music is a powerful tool for people to relate to each other and open up about their experiences and feelings, and that through music, people can begin to understand and relate to each other at a deeper, more human level.

Language

English

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