Sharing Notes

Music creates a sense of belonging and participation. It is an antidote to the growing sense of alienation and isolation now that we are being asked to actively practice social distancing. Social distancing and geographical isolation do not have to result in social loneliness. Music is a social balm for soothing anxiety, offering much needed consolation and enhancing community connections. Music can restore balance and reduce suffering. A study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that listening to music can reduce chronic pain up to 21% and depression by up to 25%. Studies have linked music to lowering blood pressure and anxiety in hospital patients. Sharing Notes' mission is to improve quality of life for Chicago hospital patients through intimate, engaging and uplifting live music performances. Because Chicago hospitals have temporarily suspended all volunteer programs, Sharing Notes has redesigned our live concerts program into our live, virtual bedside concerts program. Patients or hospital staff can schedule a Sharing Notes musician to personally FaceTime or Zoom with, request a song, enjoy a conversation or simply listen to music. When restrictions lift, our live performances will begin again and virtual bedside concerts will be added to our repertoire of programs for patients who are unable to receive in-person guests. We anticipate our 2020-2021 season to include over 100 virtual and 75 live performances at 5-7 hospitals, providing music for approximately 4500 patients and families. Our commitment to mission and partners, adaptability to rapid change, and innovation are testament to our organization not only surviving but thriving during a time of crisis.