The University of Western Sydney's Samantha Ewart is testing the power of music to help adolescents with chronic illnesses sing a happier tune during lengthy stays in hospital.

The PhD candidate's project aims to examine the role that interactive music technology can play in distracting the patients from the challenges of their illness and increasing their overall well-being.

The young patients are given electronic music cubes, each of which have a different instrument sound, and they then work together or alone to build a composition.

Ms Ewart, who completed a music degree and volunteers at a music therapy centre, said early results have demonstrated the powerful role music can play.

"Learning about music and its therapeutic qualities has been a revelation and I'm enjoying the opportunity I have to combine my interests in health, disability and the community through the study of music therapy and music technology," she said.

The 23-year-old said having a brother with a disability had influenced her interest in investigating how music could change the tune of existing clinical practices.

"I volunteer my time at the Nordolff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre every week," she said.

"I work with an amazing group of young people with mental and physical disabilities.

"I appreciate the power that music plays in ringing out creative expression and enhancing well-being."

The project will continue at the hospital during school holidays for the next year.

Ms Ewart said she planned to develop more devices that use music and technology including interactive music balls and games on smart phones and tablets.