“Musicians on Call” brings the healing power of music to Houston hospitals – Houston Public Media

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For 25 years, Musicians on Call has brought live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers. A month ago today, the program expanded to Woman’s Hospital of Texas through HCA Healthcare.

Doctors and nurses gathered in a teaching room at the Texas Medical Center hospital, where they were treated to a short performance by musician Lain Gray, before he went into patient rooms to perform.

Houston Matters producer Celeste Schurman visited the launch event to learn more about the program. She first met Pete Griffin, CEO of Musicians on Call, who said the program began with performances in the lobby of a New York hospital, but some patients were too sick to leave their beds, the organizers quickly changed course.

MOC’s new venture in Houston is partnering with HCA to focus on strengthening their current volunteer base. The program will also be offered in Kingwood and HCA Clear Lake.

The organization is looking for musicians and music lovers to share the joys of live music in the Houston area as MOC-certified volunteers. Volunteer musicians are local, professional-caliber musicians who perform songs of hope at the bedside or live during virtual programs.

Celeste Schurman/Houston Public Media