Unlocking Music’s Hidden Health Benefits: Stroke Recovery

Our Partnership with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

At Riverstone, we are proud to partner with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, helping to make orchestral music accessible to all - whether it’s the sweeping scores of blockbuster films or timeless works by Bach and Mahler.

Through this partnership, our residents enjoy exclusive private recitals, both within our residences and at prestigious London venues. They also have the unique opportunity to attend pre-performance and interval drinks receptions, where performers and conductors often join for an intimate Q&A.

Stroke Recovery Through Sound

Ground breaking research has shown that music plays a vital role in rehabilitation. Studies have highlighted its ability to accelerate recovery and improve overall wellbeing.

To explore the concept behind this, we spoke with Huw Davies, Deputy Managing Director at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, about the remarkable role music plays in stroke recovery.

You may relate to a familiar tune sparking a memory, evoking an emotion, or simply bringing a sense of comfort. But for stroke survivors, music can do much more. It can help to retrain the brain, aiding in the recovery of movement, speech, and confidence.

How Music Rebuilds the Brain

A stroke can leave survivors facing immense challenges, from impaired mobility to difficulty with speech and memory. But the brain is remarkably adaptable, and music has been shown to activate multiple regions at once – stimulating neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself.

Studies published in Frontiers in Neurology reveal that stroke patients engaging in music-supported therapy experience significant improvements in movement and coordination, with rhythm playing a key role in retraining the body’s motor functions. “Music isn’t just something we listen to – it’s something we feel, something that physically moves us,” says Huw. “When stroke survivors engage with music, we see real progress, whether it’s regaining movement, improving speech, or simply rediscovering joy.”

Research from the Cleveland Clinic further supports this, showing that music therapy can improve speech recovery, reduce anxiety, and even lower blood pressure. By engaging both the mind and body, music therapy has been shown to improve focus, memory, and emotional regulation. Even simple activities like clapping to a beat or singing along can help rebuild neural connections.

The Power of Group Music-Making in Recovery

Beyond passive listening, active participation in music has been found to create even greater benefits for stroke survivors. Group-based music activities, such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s STROKESTRA® programme, can help participants improve motor skills, communication, and emotional wellbeing. “We’ve seen people who struggle with movement start tapping their feet to a rhythm, or someone who has difficulty speaking begin to sing along. It’s about breaking down barriers and making recovery feel uplifting rather than clinical,” Huw explains.

Many stroke survivors experience isolation and frustration during recovery, but collaborative musical sessions help restore a sense of identity and connection. “We’ve had people say it’s the first time they’ve laughed since their stroke,” Huw shares. “That’s powerful.”

Why Live Music Matters in Recovery

While digital music can be therapeutic, there is something uniquely powerful about live performance. The shared energy between musicians and audiences, the vibrations of sound, and the sense of community all contribute to a richer, more immersive experience. “Live music is about presence. It’s about feeling part of something bigger, something real,” Huw says. “That’s why music therapy works – it’s not just about playing music, it’s about experiencing it together.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Music in Healthcare

The success of music-led rehabilitation is part of a growing movement to integrate music into medical treatment. “We’re only beginning to understand the full power of music in healing,” says Huw. “But one thing is certain – when words fail, music speaks.”

For those who have never experienced live orchestral music, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra have one simple piece of advice: “Come and see for yourself. You might be surprised at just how much it moves you.”