Musical Service

       When I first began playing piano for elderly patients suffering from memory illnesses, I didn’t enjoy the experience. During my first visit, a patient said she didn’t like me. I heard screams echoing in the endless hallways and saw many frustrated faces. 

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       Not knowing what to say, I resorted to my preferred method of communication: music. My fears faded away as the chords of my own classical compositions ran up and down the old Steinway’s 88-toothed smile. Sharing my music in public for the first time began the gradual onset of this new type of long-term joy I discovered.

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       I returned nearly every Friday, bringing along members of my music club for ensemble and individual performances. We grew as musicians and communicators, playing original music and conversing with residents after our performances. 

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       Ms. Cohen, the service coordinator, told us about the impact of our music on the patients, however subtly they may have expressed it. One resident and drummer, Mr. Dick, even requested to play along with us (and he did!). Our musical and personal growth became a source of joy, inspiring us to return and play with our teenage and elderly friends. I began realizing music’s transcendence lies in its ability to break down barriers between even the most unlikely connections.

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       I hope to continue serving weekly at Wingate Residences, a similar local community, with my musical companions (whether it be band/chamber members or just a few friends), only a few blocks away from the main College Green.