21 Apr 25 - Resident stories
Music as therapy
André Rieu, the renowned Dutch violinist and orchestra conductor, has often spoken about music’s ability to induce profound emotional connections that heal listeners, both physically and mentally.
Summerset residents Dr Hans Everts and his wife, Priscilla, share this belief, saying they have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of music during their time in the Richmond Ranges village.
“Since we arrived here in August 2023, we have been particularly impressed by the role music plays in the village’s general activities as well as in its special care programmes,” says Hans. The couple, both trained in psychology and counselling, have observed that music is strategically used to enhance wellbeing and provide therapeutic benefits, especially for those with deeper personal needs.
“Our Activities Co-ordinator, Sarah Poepjes, consistently integrates a range of musical events into the village’s monthly programme,” says Hans. Lively performances offer familiar tunes and seek active audience engagement that energises the residents, leaving them happier, positive and engaged. “It directly improves personal wellbeing,” Hans adds.
The couple says residents have been deeply moved by several visiting musicians, adding that the more engaged the performers, the more significant the impact is. For instance, a choir performance from a neighbouring village inspired residents to form their own choir, which has continued successfully into 2025. “Trained music therapist Colette Jansen is also a musician and singer in a jazz band that played at the Gatsby event. Larger events, like the Summerset Sings concert by resident favourite Will Martin and The Madeleines, also stands out as an example of how music connects and speaks to residents. “It exemplified the spirit of audience involvement and joy!” Hans enthuses. “All these musical experiences underscore the power of engaging music to enhance personal wellbeing. It keeps people happy, energised, positive and connected,” Priscilla agrees. “If that concert wasn’t an example of music therapy in action, then I don’t know what is!”
Born in the Netherlands, Hans’ family moved to Indonesia after World War II, returned to the Netherlands and finally emigrated to New Zealand in 1955. He and Priscilla met as students at Canterbury University. Priscilla was studying languages and obtained a master’s degree in Russian. Their joint experience of living in countries with different cultural and musical traditions helped spark their interest in how people connect through other means, including music.
Hans trained as a counselling psychologist and taught at the University of Auckland, with a particular interest in how immigrant and refugee families assimilated into their new countries. Priscilla, with a background in counselling and psychotherapy, focused on practical counsellor skill training and supervision.
“We know from counsellor education how valuable music as therapy is,” they say. Both are impressed by the extensive diversional therapy programme available to residents in the village’s care facilities. Music features prominently in it – sometimes to enhance activities and other times to address deeper personal needs. As Priscilla notes, “Music helps draw out residents who are withdrawn, confused or depressed; it encourages attention, movement and participation.
Accompanied singing, the use of instruments like shakers and interactive activities all contribute to a sense of engagement and pleasure. Therapists and other musicians here play a crucial role in enhancing the wellbeing of residents, including those with more significant needs.”
Rather than focusing on social life or sports within the village, the couple’s interest has evolved into helping ‘support the supporters’, and they have become volunteer visitors for residents in the care centre. They participate in some of the music sessions with the performers, encouraging residents to join in, whether singing or using the small shaker bells. They visit care centre residents once a week and note how animated they can become when they hear music. Even if they are very unwell, they may respond in some manner, whether is just tapping. Hans and Priscilla are also involved in a project, in conjunction with village staff, to enhance support available to carers within their community.
Hans and Priscilla had moved to Nelson to be nearer to their son Richard and made the decision to move into the village “before we were desperate and needed to. We know we have a great range of facilities here should we need them. It is a close and caring community.” And, within it, the couple especially appreciate the intentional use of music across village activities. “It ultimately enhances the atmosphere of the village,” they say. “It is, in essence, like experiencing an André Rieu concert on a smaller, more personal scale.”
This is an article from the Autumn 2025 edition of Summerset Scene magazine