Published on December 21, 2021
The holidays can be a lonely time for those who can’t be at home with family. Sung Jin Lee, a pre-med student at Vanderbilt University, is bringing cheer to the Nashville residence twice a week with the melodic sounds of his clarinet and piano playing. His music helps patients connect to loved ones and good memories as it resonates through the hallways bringing peace and comfort.
“Music, humanity, and medicine are all intertwined. Music draws out a vulnerable, visceral, and human part in us. It knows no borders or barriers,” said Lee.
“There was a patient here who, before his illness, was a symphony violinist. Before he got sick…he would be spreading joy through his music. As a volunteer, I was fortunate enough to reconnect him to this part of his life through playing his favorite violin pieces. That meant so much to him and to me,” said Lee. “The music was able to help him and his family heal together.”