Meet Nathan Sarkar, Our Featured Volunteer from Washington D.C.!

Get to know our volunteers!

Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? Children’s National Medical Center

How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? 1.5 years

Are you a volunteer guide or musician? Guide

What is your occupation outside of MOC? Medical Researcher, entering med school in 2020

Do you have any hidden talents? I play piano in a few jazz groups in the DC area, and occasionally play some gigs. I’m also a sailing instructor.

What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? A family member of mine was treated at Children’s National Medical Center when I was young, and this was one of the formative experiences that pushed me towards a career in medicine. When I was about to graduate college and come back home to the DC area, I happened to come across one of MOC’s videos, and I remember thinking that this was the perfect opportunity to combine my interests in music and medicine. Initially, I considered being a MOC musician, but I didn’t own a portable keyboard and there was more demand for guides at the time, so I opted to be a guide instead. I also felt that volunteering at Children’s, in particular, would be a good way to give back to the hospital.

What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? I love how when a kid cracks a smile or starts to hum along, you can immediately tell that what you’re doing is important.

Has your life changed because of your experience with Musicians On Call? I am certainly more aware of how live music is a fun, easy, and nearly fool-proof way to make someone’s hospital stay a little less gloomy, which is a lesson that I will carry with me.

What is your favorite #MOCmoment? Some of my favorite moments are when we find out that the patient plays music too. These kids are always excited to have a real-life musician in their room, and love asking questions. Sometimes they have their instrument with them, and play along to make an impromptu jam session!

Do you want to help us deliver the healing power of music? Apply to volunteer as a guide or a musician today!

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Volunteering in hospitals to bring music to patients is the Most Important Gig any musician or music lover can be a part of -- and you can join the lineup!

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