At St. Joseph’s Home, we care for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. Every Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm, Kenneth Ng, a practising counsellor and psychotherapist, visits the Home, bringing not only his trusty harp but also a sense of peace and connection for many of our residents.
Using his harp as a therapeutic tool for end-of-life care, Kenneth refers to himself not as a performer nor a clinical music therapist, but as a healthcare musician or “therapeutic harper.” Drawing on his musical talent and sensitivity, he helps residents feel calm and relaxed.
In addition to playing for several of our bed-bound residents, Kenneth also attends to those living with anxiety, dementia, pain, hospice needs, and more. His sessions require him to constantly adapt to ever-changing factors, including the environment, atmosphere, and the facial expressions of the residents. His psychological insight further allows him to attune his tempo and tone to the room’s collective needs.
Moments of Peace and Connection
One evening, a resident experiencing high anxiety requested that the conversation stop, preferring only the gentle accompaniment of Kenneth’s harp. As he played, she gradually relaxed and drifted into sleep. On another occasion, a resident delightedly exclaimed, “很好听!” (Very nice to hear!) and playfully suggested that Kenneth should perform at a hotel instead of at a nursing home — a lighthearted moment that spoke volumes.
These small yet meaningful interactions hold profound significance in palliative care settings. Through the use of musical entrainment — matching rhythm to mood and heartbeat — Kenneth provides comfort and calm during dinner, easing transitions and supporting emotional well-being.
Meal times can be particularly challenging for some residents, but Kenneth’s presence helps to create a soothing environment. Often, residents are invited to gently strum the harp alongside him, offering them not just passive comfort but an opportunity to engage, connect, and express themselves in a meaningful way. These simple, shared moments of touch and sound foster warmth, dignity, and joy in the midst of their daily routine.
A Weekly Sanctuary
Kenneth’s harp sessions have become a treasured part of our Tuesday evenings. His compassionate presence and intuitive attunement offer residents a soothing refuge during the early evening hours. His music is more than melody; it is a companion to those nearing life’s final chapters, helping them feel held, soothed, and at peace.
We are deeply grateful to Kenneth for sharing his gift and heart with our residents week after week, making Tuesday evenings at St. Joseph’s Home a sanctuary of calm and connection.
Kenneth hopes to make live therapeutic music accessible to everyone — from the rich to the poor, the living to the dying, and even to animals. After all, as he believes, “It is the therapeutic presence and connection that matter.”
You can learn more about his work and support his practice here:
- Instagram: @kenneth_ng77