Musicians On Call & National Museum of African American Music Partner on Special Virtual Program Series
Since opening in Nashville, Tennessee in 2021, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) has been educating visitors on the significant impact of African Americans on music and American culture. The only museum of its kind, NMAAM features more than 50 genres and subgenres that were created or influenced by African American musicians, artists and performers.
Musicians On Call is honored to partner with NMAAM on a special virtual program series, introducing their interactive educational programming to patients, families and caregivers across the country. Each quarter, we are featuring NMAAM’s From Nothing to Something (FN2S) workshop during our ongoing virtual programs. Audiences learn about the innovative methods and materials early African Americans used to create music. Spotlighting instruments like the spoons, banjo, harmonica and rhythm and drums, these sessions not only share the history of the instruments but also how they have influenced the music we love today.
Rhythm & Drums for Pediatric Patients
We launched our partnership by highlighting the history and influence of Rhythm & Drums during our Pediatric Virtual Program. Teaching artist Thomas Spann walked through different counts and how they all come together to create a rhythm. We had patients from St. Louis Children’s Hospital, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis tune in. Enjoy highlights below!
Harmonica for Veterans
Carlos Deford Bailey, a celebrated Nashville harmonica player and historian, engaged Veterans and caregivers in a program filled with music and anecdotes about an instrument that skyrocketed in popularity thanks to his grandfather, “The Harmonica Wizard,” Deford Bailey, Sr. Veterans at the Phoenix VA Medical Center were excited to make song requests and ask questions during the program. Check it out!
We are grateful for the opportunity to join the National Museum of African American Music in sharing the rich history of African American music through our programs.
