Musician Interview

As part of the interview process I decided to use John Davidson as test subject for the questionnaire and john as always was happy to oblige.

We did the interview over Skype and the following answers where supplied.

John Davidson – Music in Hospital performer

1/Do you think there would be other factors to consider when performing live in front of people in a palliative care setting, than in any other setting?

YES

2/Would you agree that more care and attention to detail is required when performing in a palliative care unit?

YES

3/Even though its not a legal requirement do you think it’s important that all your equipment has a safety check such as a PAT certificate before performing at a Palliative care unit?

YES

4/If performing at a care unit how important is it to discuss or know in advance the expectations of client for that particular venue, such as age group, preferred songs?

IMPORTANT- but more through experience

5/How important is staff involvement in making the concert a success by encouraging the patient’s involvement and experience of the concert?

IMPORTANT

Less able staff involvement crucial

6/Do you believe that there should be more government funds available for live performance for people with care needs to help enhance their living and enjoyment?

YES

Not just self interest, want to see the effect

7/ DO you think it would be useful for musicians involved in charity work to have access to grants or bursary? To improve equipment, string donations, equipment donations.

YES

8/Do you think there should be training courses or specific meetings to train musician on how to get the best out of a performance for care units or focus groups? How useful would this be?

Very useful

MiH relying on you use your common sense.

Staff should be there at all times.

9/ How important are the visual aspects such as the dress of a musician, to the performance of an event.

Important

Minute you step through the door the performance has started. Step in with a certain level of presence it set expectation.

10/ Is there enough information available on how to make a concert a success for patients in care from the industry?

Yes mentoring

11/ If any, what would be the most common challenge encountered when performing in a palliative care setting?

-       Person with no special awareness. No sense of boundaries

-       Level of involvement you can expect from a particular audience.

12/ What advise would you give to any new musicians coming into the industry?

-       treat the folks your performing to the same way that you would anyone else but be aware that they are not well. They may have other factors you haven’t come across.

-       Be caring and respectful while seeking to entertain.

-       As performing and between songs, observe the responses you are getting, look for people singing along, dancing and simple foot tap or hand tap or smile.