People visiting The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute often face stressful and emotional situations. Whether it's for their own cancer treatment or to support a loved one, these visitors seek a moment of respite. The Heather Pick Music Program at The James provides just that. Pick, a local newscaster who passed away from breast cancer in 2008, was a passionate musician. Her friends raised funds in her memory, leading to the program's inception in 2015. Since then, the musicians have been performing a wide variety of music - folk, jazz, classical, and more - allowing listeners to enjoy it without leaving the building.

The Significance of Live Music in Patient Spaces

"Having live music in patient areas has become a highly relevant topic," said Peggy Kohler, who manages the performing and visual arts programs at The James. "Why isn't art, music, and poetry a part of our healthcare? It has always been an integral part of the human experience." Kohler ensures that The James has performers throughout the year. In some cases, the calendar fills up on its own as she has regulars."It's crucial for the performers," she said. "Volunteering means a lot to them. Some people come every week and have been doing it for years because they understand the significance it holds for the patients, and it means just as much to them."One such returning act is the MEEK Quartet. The four members started playing at The James in 2016 and only took a break during the COVID-19 lockdown. Rob Montgomery, Dan and Pat Epley, and Tom Kaelber met at Ohio State's Marion campus years ago. The group plays music from the 1930s to the 1960s, which Kohler said is easily recognizable and perfect for singing along."It's wonderful to give back," Kaelber said. "This is my favorite thing to do. I prefer it over our other concerts. Even the staff appreciates it. They walk by and you can see the smiles on their faces.""It really lifts our spirits," Pat Epley added. "You can be in a bad mood, but after singing, you feel better - just by seeing people and knowing that you've brightened their day a little."People are drawn to the music, according to Kohler. Staff plan their lunches around the performance schedule so they can enjoy the music while eating. Patients watch and listen from the second-floor balcony near the radiation unit, which overlooks the lobby."I observe people all the time," she said. "Some interact with the performers, some sing along, and some just listen. [People] even dance on their way up the stairs. It's fascinating to see how it affects everyone."Kohler recalls a patient who wasn't scheduled for treatment but was listening to the music."I had a patient who spent two hours sitting here," she said. "I knew he was listening. He went over to the performers and said, 'This helps a lot with my pain.' He came just for the music that day."Patients who can't leave their rooms don't miss out either. The hospital streams performances in-room."Channel two on The James' televisions is filled with live performances from past years. And we're also recording as people perform now," she said.The music benefits healthcare providers as well."Everyone who enters this place - patients, families, visitors - has heard the word 'cancer.' They're scared and often not feeling well, so staff are constantly dealing with people with high levels of worry. … The impact of music in relieving stress, worry, and pain for everyone, including staff, is amazing."In fact, some staff members at The James are performers themselves. Despite their long hours, doctors, nurses, and students volunteer their time to play."I have two doctors who are going to play Taylor Swift," she said. "I have a jazz group. I have classical pianists who are doctors. I have a pre-med student flutist who plays with her dad, a medical student who plays soft indie rock. … They want to come back here after a long day and give back to their patients."Dallas Carpenter, a lecturer in the School of Music, has brought his contrabass to The James."You'll never find a more pleasant or welcoming audience than at The James," he said. "As a performer, that's the most important thing. I know I'm bringing music that will help someone."Kohler and Carpenter hope to establish a program between The James and the School of Music, with the aim of expanding to other local hospitals."I believe it's essential to create real connections between music schools and hospitals," she said. "I'm passionate about every hospital having this."