At Harmony & Healing, we’re all about bringing the power of music to those who need it most—whether it’s a patient in hospice care, a senior in assisted living, or someone facing a tough day.
Our musicians are the heart of this mission, and one question I often get from artists is: “How do I make a musical visit special for the audience?” It’s a great question, and after one of our newer Visiting Artists reached out recently for some guidance, I realized it’s high time I turned this into a blog post.
So, here we go—some practical tips, a few stories, and a peek into what makes these visits so meaningful.
Start with Their Preferences—But Keep It Simple
When someone requests a musical visit, they often share a little about what they love. Maybe they’re into jazz, classical, or Zydeco (yes, we’ve had that one!).
As an artist, my advice is to keep an ear out for those preferences and weave them in when you can. For example, if they mention a love for blues, you might say, “This next song’s got a little bluesy soul—I hope it hits the spot!” It’s a small gesture that shows you’re listening, and it makes the experience feel personal.
But here’s the catch: don’t let it spiral into a custom jukebox scenario.
If you ask, “What songs do you want?” you might get a list longer than a CVS receipt—everything from “Sweet Caroline” to “Bohemian Rhapsody”—and suddenly you’re spending hours learning new material.
Most of our musicians don’t read sheet music (I’m in that camp too!), so prepping a slew of requests can feel like climbing Mount Everest.
Instead, we always ask about genres they prefer, and then match the perfect artists to those vibes. Some of our artists are musical chameleons—classical, pop, you name it—so they’ve got flexibility that’s pretty rare.
Imagine a client says they love country music. If you’ve got a toe-tapping Johnny Cash tune in your back pocket, you’re golden. But if they ask for an obscure Dolly Parton B-side you’ve never heard, don’t sweat it—just pivot to something in the same wheelhouse and keep the mood flowing.
Lean into what you know, and sprinkle in their preferences when it fits.
Variety Keeps It Fresh—For Them and For You
We’ve had artists who roll up with the same 10-12 songs every time. It works… until it doesn’t and we can’t continually rebook them for facilities and patients who’ve already heard everything they’ve got.
Keeping it fresh is a big deal.
If you’re visiting the same group—like a VA hospital—those songs can wear thin after a couple of rounds. We once had a guitarist who played “House of the Rising Sun” so often that the staff started humming it in their sleep! He was amazing, but we had to mix it up with other artists to keep things fresh.
Variety isn’t just for the audience—it keeps you inspired too.
That said, there’s no pressure to reinvent the wheel every time. Build a solid setlist you’re comfortable with, and tweak it as you go. I definitely recommend swapping in at least 50-60% new songs each visit or pull out a seasonal favorite—like a holiday tune in December or a summery Beach Boys vibe in July.
Little changes keep your audience guessing—in a good way.
Chit-Chat: Less Is More, But Follow Their Lead
So, what do you say during a visit?
My go-to is a simple, friendly opener: “Hi, I’m David, coming to you from San Ramon, California. Here are a few songs I hope you’ll enjoy!” It’s warm, it sets the stage, and it’s low-pressure—especially if English isn’t your first language, as some of our artists noted.
From there, sprinkle in natural asides like, “Phew, that one’s always a workout!” or “This next song’s a personal favorite.” Think of it like you’re playing a cozy coffeehouse gig—keep it real.
Sometimes, though, the audience takes the mic (figuratively, of course). They might share a story: “Oh, that song reminds me of my wedding in ’62!” or “My dad used to play that on his old guitar.”
Maybe you’re halfway through a set for a hospice patient, and they perk up after a Beatles tune: “My son played that at his high school talent show!” Next thing you know, they’re recounting the story, and you’re nodding along.
Those connections are pure gold—let them talk! If they go on for 15 minutes, guess what? Your 60-minute session just became a 45-minute playlist, and they’re still thrilled. The visit is about them, so roll with whatever they need—music, memories, or a bit of both.
Expect the Unexpected (It’s Usually Small)
Every session has its surprises, but they’re rarely earth-shattering. Maybe a local cat decides to serenade you with a yowl-along, or they ask if you know a song you’ve never heard of (see tip #1!).
Once, I had a listener request a polka—turns out, my accordion skills were rustier than I thought, but we laughed it off, and I played something upbeat instead.
The point is, flexibility is your superpower. Most folks just want to hear music and feel connected—they’re not grading you on a curve.
Connecting Through Musical Memories
At Harmony & Healing, every note you play is a thread in someone’s story. A musical visit might lift the spirits of someone who hasn’t smiled in weeks. That’s the magic of what we do.
So, to our musicians: trust your instincts, bring your heart, and don’t overthink it. You’ve got this.
Have a tip of your own? Drop me a line—I’d love to hear it.
And if you’re curious about joining our mission, check out www.harmonyandhealing.org. Together, we’re tuning the world to a happier key.
