Early Start - Music by Heart

The harp is a calming instrument and the sounds are ideal for soothing babies or even singing and humming to - just make up your own songs. Why not sing, hum or move with your baby as you hear the music.

To your baby, your voice is comforting and will help them feel safe.

More about MusicGarden

The music

During 2013-14, Mark created original music based on the names of the babies he met on the unit, and these tracks are now on CD and given free of charge to new parents to take away. You can also enjoy them here! They are designed to be listened to very quietly.

Abigail

Charlie

Daisy

Elsie

Ethan

Freya

Hannah

Heidi

Holly

Barney

Jack

Lydia

Matilda

Noah

Sofia

Summer

Violet

Playing the harp in amongst the incubators seemed very surreal but was deeply appreciated by Barney’s parents, who were in the unit for 90 days while their child slowly improved. They were keen on Mozart, hence the “Mozart-ish” nature of this tune.

Barney is now a happy toddler! Barney’s name and photo used by kind permission. All other names changed.

This neonatal music project has been an amazing journey including playing for some procedures. To get a flavour see our mid-way report. We developed new learning throughout and we’re hoping to get funding to build on our success and take the work even further in 2014-16.

With grateful thanks to Youth Music, and Gloucestershire Music Makers and Make Music Gloucestershire for funding this project, and to the Neonatal Unit at Gloucester Hospital for all their support and for believing in the project from the outset.

Click to hear a BBC radio interview about this amazing work

…and see ITV’s report in the neonatal wards. Really lovely!

Media reports