There’s a Hans Christian Anderson quote: “Where words fail, music speaks.” So much of our vision is summed up in those five words. 

Music is an international language—it transcends generational, cultural, and political boundaries—simply because its melodies can appeal to all listeners. Anyone—whether Democrat or Republican, black or white, Asian or Latino—can enjoy a moving Beethoven sonata or Mozart symphony.

Recognition of that power has given rise to a new form of medical treatment known as music therapy. Music stimulates the areas of the brain involved in emotion, memory, and physical movement. According to many studies, it can help reduce stress and anxiety in medical patients, as well as aid and ease pain in those suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. In some cases, researchers found that music helped alleviate nausea in patients receiving chemotherapy.

As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to bring the uplifting benefits of music to veterans and other hospitalized individuals through performances and digital recordings in order to improve mental health, promote wellness, and alleviate pain. We also seek to teach patients how to play simple musical instruments, such as the recorder, kalimba, and plastic ocarina. Playing an instrument improves dexterity and mental acuity. By hosting monthly in-person music events at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and other local hospitals, handing out instruments, and teaching patients how to play them, we hope to connect with and foster a relationship with the patients therein. 

Veterans, in particular, put everything on the line to go out and serve our country. When they return—sometimes with physical injuries and mental health issues—little is done for them. For everything that they give us, we give back so little. That is why we hope to show veterans we care for them and appreciate their sacrifice by meeting them where they are and sharing the gift of music with them. We hope to show them that they belong and that we care.

We hope to one day have achieved a community of acceptance and love in which patients, families, and strangers can listen to music, play music, and bond with one another.