Billy Joel once said: "I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from everyone loves music." Liz Mallozzi, a senior music education major at West Chester University, must agree with The Piano Man, after initiating the Musical Diversion Program at The Chester County Hospital.
With the assistance of the Hospital's Volunteer Services, Mallozzi built the program as part of her Capstone Project for West Chester University's Honors College in order to create a community service project that will be sustainable post-graduation. Mallozzi describes the program as being "a way for patients to relieve stress and make them feel better, while at the same time, giving the musicians a chance to play for people."
When Mallozzi began working on her Capstone Project, she at first had a completely different idea for the Hospital. Kathy Stocker, The Chester County Hospital's Director of Volunteer Services, suggested the idea to the music major after doing her own research on musical healing programs.* She compliments the work ethic of Mallozzi and the students from West Chester University. "West Chester University is known for having a wonderful music program. We already have lots of volunteer students that come from West Chester and they have always been easy to work with and proactive. When the program presented itself, it was a perfect match."
Mallozzi schedules and chaperones the musicians at The Chester County Hospital at least once a month. They either play an instrument or sing. At this point, the musicians are mostly West Chester University students, but the program encourages experienced students from local high schools and local adult musicians to become involved as well. The performers must be at a higher level of talent in order to participate. Musicians involved with the Musical Diversion Program play for one hour at a time, in six locations of the West Wing in The Chester County Hospital. If they are able to, some patients will come out to the hallway to listen, while others listen from their beds. Reactions from the program have been positive from the patients and family members, as it provides entertainment, some companionship and a little distraction.
One of the musicians, Erin Price, a sophomore music education and voice major, sings for patients. In her spare time, Price participates in pageants and acts as Disney Princesses for birthday parties. She feels that the Musical Diversion Program is very beneficial for the patients at The Chester County Hospital. "I think that the most important part that made me interested in contributing to the Program is that music not only has healing powers, but also that it connects to people of all levels of ability."
Mallozzi and Stocker appreciate the time that the musicians put into their service. Mallozzi says, "The musicians who come here really care. As a musician, if you have a gift or a talent, you want to share it with people. We see it as our duty."
If you would like to become involved with the Musical Diversion Program, please contact Kathy Stocker, Director of Volunteer Services at The Chester County Hospital via email at Kathy.Stocker@uphs.upenn.edu or 610.431.5191.
* To give credit where credit is due, Kathy Stocker acknowledges that she was inspired by WXPN's Musicians on Call Program, but wanted to feature local student musicians.