Project: Music Heals Us Brings Light to the Lives of Patients and Musicians
A nonprofit organization founded in New York City, Project: Music Heals Us ( PMH), has been making the lives of hospitalized people for over 6 years by offering one-on-one live concerts - and in the age of COVID-19, they are soothing both those diagnosed with the virus and their caregivers via livestream.
With a focus on disabled, rehabilitating, incarcerated, and homeless communities, PMH’s goal is to provide inspiration, education, and healing through live music performance. They launched the Vital Sounds Initiative in April of 2020 as a way to help struggling patients - the therapeutic power of the music played is often transformative. Exhausted patients are lulled to sleep by the music after sleepless nights, and restless, uncooperative patients suddenly sit still. As much as it helps the patients, the musicians benefit just as much. Professional classical musicians who have had their careers halted due to safety concerns surrounding live events are able to find direction and normalcy in their positions bringing joy and soothing patients with their music.
PMH partners with several hospitals nationwide for the Vital Sounds Initiative, and in addition, they conduct prison outreach programs, refugee aid, and mentorships for young artists. They are now in their seventh year, and have given over 400 free concerts in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice centers, food pantries, retirement homes, and homeless shelters. You can learn more about their mission here: https://www.pmhu.org/mission