Patient that usually develops anxiety during treatment and wants to leave early: did not cut his treatment, but rather stayed to hear the music: This patient asked one of the students playing the cello “ How much did that cost? I play the bass, the trumpet and the accordion.” As the Social Worker, this is the first time I was aware that this patient had a music background. It helps me to address his anxiety during treatment. He also said “ I like to hear the kids play.”
“ Hey, can they come on Friday mornings at 9am? They are great!” - Patient who came on an off day had their first exposure.
“ This is so relaxing, I hope they come again.” - Patient who is going through a hard time with a very sick family member.
Staff: “ Wow I love this. Whose idea was this? We should have thought of this sooner!”
“ Do you know any Johnny Cash Music?” - A middle-aged patient to the volunteers.
“ Do you think they know any Country Western Music?” - An older patient reading the paper.
It warms my (artistic) heart to see the smiles on the faces of those patients that request an encore or even those that simply recognize a piece we play. We may be highschool students, but we can still harness the emotional power of music all the same. (The occasional food is also a nice bonus.)
Benjamin Wu - Artistic Hearts Volunteer
I thoroughly enjoy playing the Cello for dialysis patients once a week because it allows me to channel my passions and talents while directly serving my community in a useful and creative manner. Artistic Hearts also exposes me to the invaluable experiences of teamwork, playing together with my friends, and has instilled in me a greater respect for patients much older than myself.
Dereck Wang - Artistic Hearts Volunteer