The Soft Power of Music
I'm Tiff Norchick and I play the harp with Inscape.
Tiff Norchick on the ward at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Photo by Inscape Tas
I think Inscape brings something. Of home. It brings something soft. Today I was playing at a woman’s bedside. She said it's so soft. It's like holding someone's hand. And she was really struggling, being on the ward because it's so noisy. She kept saying it's so noisy. And she was just crying. She's saying, I want to go home.
And then, I held her hand. And we just sat there holding hands. And then I was playing. So I think it's the softness. It can be a harsh environment.
I am coming up to nine years now, and I play the harp most of the time and sing. And sometimes, I just sit and hold someone's hand and listen to their story.
And often, we laugh.
People are very funny, and sometimes we cry. Today was a bit of a teary day. People often tell me they just want to go home. And I think, that's such a universal experience.
Yeah. So even after nine years, I am constantly moved by the things that people share. And, you know, the main thing that I do is, I'm just here.
Tiff Norchick plays harp at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Photo by Laura Purcell
Even though it can be difficult being here. I've seen people touch courage and dignity and spirit. The things people will do just to be able to say thank you. Like the generosity of people. So if I didn't have this job, I think I'd be less.
“I think I’d be… Less soft. It does keep you soft coming here. I think this place needs us. It really does.”
Tiff Norchick at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Photo by Laura Purcell
Creativity in Care. This #AusArtDay on 23 October, you can support artists shaping the future of Australian arts. Your donation - big or small - helps Inscape Tasmania create the future of care. Inscape’s artists bring calm, joy and connection into hospitals through music, art and storytelling. Your gift helps expand residencies, reach more patients and families, and ensure creativity remains at the heart of healing in Tasmania.
Learn more and Donate: www.inscape.org.au/ausartday
Inscape is a registered charity and is supported by private philanthropy and government grants which support Tasmanian professional artists and musicians to deliver creative programs with patients, families and staff in Southern Tasmanian hospitals.
#CreativityInCare #CreativeAustralia
