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Studies
It has been demonstrated that music has a direct effect on people: it lowers blood pressure, helps with pain management, reduces stress and alters mood, assists Alzheimer’s patients in recalling the past, Parkinsonian patients find that the rhythm of music is crucial in helping them with temporal structure and organization. There is a whole body of literature supporting the use of music with hospitalized patients.
More studies coming soon!
Testimonials
From people our programs have reached:
| “I wanted to let you know about a very unique and special experience I had last evening while volunteering. One of the patients told us that he is a songwriter and piano player and in between chemo treatments he had written a song about fighting leukemia for one of the organizations dedicated to the fight – his wife played the song for us on their computer – was so uplifting and inspiring, and then after we played for him, he asked if he could play a song for us. Of course we said yes (don’t worry, we asked him to wear gloves so he would not get any germs) and he played and sang a wonderful song for us. We all had such a terrific visit – the interaction and spirit in the room was contagious.” |
| "We would like to take this opportunity to thank you fro bringing music into our facility. The CD players along with the multitude of CDs you have provided for us has made a huge difference in the days of our patients. Many of the patients in our facilities have a hard time adjusting to being away from home while they heal, and having music to soothe their nerves makes all the difference. The program you are running is wonderful. We are grateful to be part of such an amazing movement. Thank you again for everything." |
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"I currently received the CD pharmacy from musicians on call!!
Our patients come to our specialty hospital sometimes, after very lengthy hospital stays!! The CD collection allows patients to begin to address the emotional pain and social pain that they have been through secondary to such lengthy hospitalizations. The simple pleasure of listening to music and sharing music, provides relief and also socialization, smiles, emotions and stories that can be shared with staff as well as family members. I can tell you that the first day when we obtained the CDs, a patient was able to benefit.. and the look on his face!! Priceless!! We have been spreading the word regarding musicians on call!! Fantastic work, and thank you very much for what you bring to patients.. it really is priceless!!!"
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"Your music was much appreciated at the hospital. My brother had been in relative isolation for almost three weeks. Trying to keep him connected to the world and his spirits intact was a huge challenge and sometimes a lonely one.
He loves music(his Ipod was one good idea that comforted him) and your coming was a source of happiness during a time when there were few pleasant surprises. We talked about how awesome it was to go to the hospital and get a private concert. Sometimes the universe just gives a gift and your presence and skill were a great gift to both of us.
He is home now and hopefully, will get and stay well. Your music will remain a bright memory for us."
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By Daniela Torres-Mattus
from her blog at lifebyme.com/help-others
I volunteer for the non-profit organization Musicians On
Call, which brings the healing power of music to hospital patients’
bedsides. I guide musicians from room to room, ask patients if
they’d like the musician to come in, and witness miracles in the
process. People are so happy to have somebody singing for them that, in
that moment, we all become more alive. I’m not a doctor, but that’s what
I call healing.
The first time I volunteered was in a New York hospital for kids with
cancer. The first child we played for was a little girl who was crying.
Her mother had her in her arms and allowed us to come in the room. When
the musician started playing guitar and singing, the little girl’s eyes
stopped tearing and began to shine. There I was, a witness to a moving
and heartbreaking scene.... Read More
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TELL US YOUR STORY
Tell us how music has made an impact on your life. Did you or a loved one receive a visit from a Musicians On Call volunteer? We’d love to hear from you!
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