Music therapy is a course of rehabilitation where patients take part in a program with a music therapist.

It helps provide motivation when patients go into rehabilitation and can also help carers assess and address difficulties.

Phil Connolly, of Burwood East, has been enjoying music therapy at Wantirna Health for a few weeks and said he couldn't be happier with the program.

"I've always enjoyed music but hadn't heard of music therapy until I came here," he said. "It's up there with my favourite time of day."

Wantirna Health music therapist Imogen Clark works with patients in palliative care, rehabilitation and aged care to teach them songs which they rehearse for a few weeks during their treatment.

She said patients who were suffering depression, anxiety or physical illness could also benefit from music therapy because of the joy and enthusiasm it brought to them, along with a change of mental focus.

Ms Clark said patients seemed brighter and more motivated towards their treatment since the program began in February last year.

It has also given patients such as Mr Connolly an enthusiasm and appreciation for music.

"When I'm at home, I can't walk past the keyboard without sitting down and playing," said Mr Connolly, who plays by ear because he can't read music. "I've been attracting an audience recently," he said.

Songs like All I Ask Of You from Phantom of the Opera, Edelweiss and Billy Joel numbers prove popular, with both patient and therapist enjoying the sessions.

There are now 20 patients taking part in the program, which operates at Wantirna Health and Yarra Ranges Health.