On April 21, members of the Recording Academy's Washington D.C. Chapter gathered at the Silver Spring Library for an insightful evening exploring the intersection of music and healthcare. Presented in partnership with John Hopkins University's Peabody Institute and Levine Music, the event — titled "Music in Healthcare: Creative Approaches for Professionals" — introduced musicians to an evolving field that offers both service and professional opportunities.
Led by Dr. Sarah Hoover, Associate Dean for Innovation in the Arts and Health at John Hopkins, and vocalist Tamara Wellons, adjunct faculty at John Hopkins, D.C Chapter Trustee, and creator of Creative Rx, the program offered personal insights and practical advice for artists interested in hospital-based work. As Hoover and Wellons , drew on wisdom they had gathered through their own journeys and research on music in the healthcare system one thing was clear: artists have a vital role to play in healing environments — but stepping into that role requires requires preparation, awareness, and emotional care.
During the conversation, Hoover and Wellons brought up very important points about being a musical professional in a healthcare space and what that means. They showed how working in this field can be life-changing for patients and healthcare professional alike and provide a soothing effect to their environment.
This Isn’t Music Therapy — But It Is Healing
Arts in health is a growing field in the U.S., where more than 4,000 hospitals operate nationwide — many of which still lack dedicated music programs. Unlike music therapy, which requires clinical certification, arts in health is a maturing discipline dedicated to using the power of the arts to enhance well-being in healthcare and community settings. Its goal is to offer transformative, humanizing experiences for patients as they navigate the medical system.
Use Your Gift To Serve Others
Wellons’ described how she discovered this work after leaving teaching, when she met a dancer preparing to perform for patients at Georgetown University Hospital. Moved by the idea, she soon began performing bedside music herself — helping patients find comfort through song. She worked in that role for 10 years before taking a step back due to the emotional toll. Many artists in these settings adopt self-care rituals to stay grounded before and after entering clinical spaces.
Wellons went on to become a project manager at the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, where she helped implement arts-based care for both patients and healthcare workers.
Versatility Is Key
According to Hoover and Wellons, success in this field demands more than talent — it requires musical versatility, patience, and empathy. Artists may find themselves playing the same song repeatedly if that’s what brings a patient peace. They might need to adapt their setlists based on era, genre, or emotional tone. Listening to both the patient and the space around them is essential.
As Wellons noted, this might be the only moment in a patient’s day when they feel a sense of autonomy.
Learn The Foundations
To prepare more musicians for this work, Hoover and Wellons developed a week-long program through the Peabody Institute. The Power of Music in Healthcare will run June 9–13, 2025 and will teach participants the fundamentals of music in clinical environments. Each student will select a capstone topic to explore while developing an understanding of the impact and responsibility this work entails.
How To Get Involved
For those curious about music in healthcare, the National Organization for Arts in Health provides resources, toolkits, and job listings to help artists explore opportunities in the field.