First View – Article (published on 24 January 2022)
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this in-depth case study is to explore the work of musicians in end-of-life care. In this study, a healthcare musician is considered to be a professional who has both an academic degree in music and in-service training in music and healthcare settings. In addition to working with healthcare personnel, they often collaborate with music therapists to provide integrated healthcare services for the best patient care. In the study, six musicians who had experience in end-of-life care settings were interviewed. Their reflections on their socially engaged work were analysed through the emerging theoretical lens of emotional work. This resulted in the identification of three themes beyond that of pure performativity in music professionalism, relating to the emotional work in end-of-life care. Furthermore, the emotional processes that were encountered, which were deeply social in nature, were conceptualised as musico emotional work. This other-centred work aligns with music therapy research, and is an essential part of music therapists’ end-of-life work. In conclusion, the similarities between music therapists and musicians, as well as the interprofessional potential of their cooperation, are reflected upon.
KEYWORDS
emotional work, healthcare, musicians, music therapy, end-of-life care
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Taru-Anneli Koivisto is a music therapist and health promotion expert, working as a clinical music therapist and special music educator in diverse societal contexts. She serves as a doctoral associate at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, where her research interests consider the interaction between the arts, health and wellbeing, as well as social justice and equality issues. [taru.koivisto@uniartsl.fi]