OPERATION SONG Competitors

Nobody can underestimate the power of music. It can help turn a bad day around in second and, most importantly, make someone smile – even if you are a patient at a hospital. Musicians on Call focuses on bringing joy to hospital patients by providing the healing power of music. With the help of volunteered musicians, we are creating memories that will be remembered for a lifetime. From fast and upbeat songs to slow songs with beautiful melodies, Musicians on Call will bring happiness to patients and their families one song at a time. We use music to promote and complement the healing process for patients, families, and caregivers. This simple process can bring about miraculous changes for patients. We’ve seen veterans move their injured limbs to the music—and children smile for the first time since they’ve been in the hospital to receive treatment for cancer. These one-on-one interactions between musician and patient have the powerful effect of restoring the happiness that often fades away in healthcare facilities. Since 1999, Musicians On Call volunteer musicians have performed for over half a million patients and their families in over 20 cities including New York, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Phoenix, and Dallas.

The American Music Therapy Association is a resource and organization dedicated to professional music therapists. Benefits gained from using music as a tool include help educating, reducing stress, and improve the general quality of life.

The Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) is a national nonprofit where veterans and the military-connected community thrive through the arts. We offer *free* classes across all art forms in several Chapters across the country and online. From stand-up comedy to ceramics to storytelling to stage combat to welding, we've got ongoing and accessible opportunities for veterans and their loved ones to explore the creative arts. We combat isolation and improve well-being. Rigorous research shows ASAP classes improve social connection, confidence, and resilience — and they give veterans new tools to process their experiences. These outcomes are critical in the fight against suicide in the military community. Get involved at asapasap.org