The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital
Music is a powerful tool that can be used to complement healthcare throughout the illness trajectory and increase the quality of life for patients, families and caregivers. A growing body of research demonstrates that music can help alleviate patients’ physical pain and reduce their stress and anxiety levels.
The Houston Symphony currently collaborates with the following hospitals to enrich patients’ lives through music.
Musician Bedside Visits
Using music as a vehicle, our musicians provide unforgettable experiences to the patients in multiple ways. From bedside visits to online concerts, the music is always the main character, creating a deep connection between the audience and the artist.
David Connor, Community-Embedded Musician, participates in a session with Texas Children’s Hospital’s Purple Songs Can Fly program
Led by Music Director Juraj Valčuha, Houston Symphony concert performs a holiday concert in the Crane Garden lobby for patients, their family members, caregivers, and staff, which is also livestreamed to patient rooms for those unable to attend in person.
Community-Embedded Musicians Rainel Joubert, Dave Connor, Jaya Varma, and Lindsey Baggett celebrate the end of their holiday performance alongside MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital staff.
The Houston Symphony also collaborates with Houston’s only two daytime facilities in the Greater Houston area for individuals with dementia.
The Houston Symphony provides monthly interactive performances that are customized based on music requested by members of these sites, with the goal of eliciting memories and reducing agitation for patients.
Rian Craypo, Houston Symphony Principal Bassoon, and CEMs Lindsey Baggett and CEM Rainel Joubert perform at Amazing Place
Patients dance during a performance by CEMs David Connor and Rainel Joubert at Amazing Place
Mark Griffith, Houston Symphony Percussion, along with CEMs David Connor, Rainel Joubert, and Lindsey Baggett perform for patients at CarePartners Dementia Day Center
Special Thanks to our Music & Wellness Supporters
Ezra & Sharon Yacob
