News

The Power of Music Therapy at The Royce

March 28, 2025

At The Royce, we deeply value the role music plays in nurturing memory, connection, and emotional well-being. For this reason, we have continued our collaboration with Noro Music Therapy, a local organisation dedicated to enhancing lives through the power of music. Noro’s personalised programs encourage interaction, foster social inclusion, and support overall well-being, helping to enrich the lives of our residents.

To our delight, Noro Music’s Alex Hocking shared a touching story of his experience at The Royce, which exemplifies the role music plays in the life of our residents.

A Moment of Recognition Through Music

During one of his recent visits, Alex facilitated both one-on-one and group music sessions with our residents. In one session, he met with Robert and Sandra, a married couple who are living separately due to Sandra’s dementia. At the start, Sandra appeared agitated and startled, struggling to recognise Robert. Despite his gentle attempts to hold her hand, she remained distant and confused.

Seeking to create a moment of connection, Alex asked Robert about Sandra’s favourite music. Robert shared that they used to take dance lessons together to country and western music. Alex then began playing Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver, and Sandra started mouthing the lyrics. Encouraging them to reconnect, Alex asked if they would like to dance like they used to. Moved by the music, Sandra stood up and began swaying, dancing on her own. As the song continued, she gradually recognised her Robert, and they danced and sang the remaining lyrics together.

Seeing Sandra embrace Robert again, just ten minutes after thinking he was a stranger was such a beautiful testament to the power of music. For Alex, it was one of the purest moments he had ever witnessed in his work as a music therapist–one he will never forget. This moment highlights music’s ability to bridge the gaps created by memory loss and the profound joy it can bring in the most meaningful ways.

The Royce is dedicated to supporting initiatives like Noro Music Therapy that foster transformative experiences. Our collaboration with Noro goes beyond aged care, including a special intergenerational program last year involving our independent living residents and local preschool children, made possible through grant initiatives provided by Noro Music. These programs ensure that individuals of all ages can benefit from the healing and unifying power of music.

Through moments like these, we are reminded why we do what we do—because music has the power to connect, heal, and bring joy in ways that words alone cannot.