The UCSF Music Program brings music into the hospital, helping kids reduce anxiety and depression related to a medical procedure or emotionally difficult time.
Working in conjunction with a Child Life specialist, our musician-in-residence brings instruments and musical talent to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital on Mondays and Thursdays. The aim of the music program is to use music as a coping tool for young patients, from babies to teenagers. By giving them instruments and teaching them new skills, music can help empower children and normalize their hospital experience.
The musician-in-residence soothes patients at their bedside with musical performances and also offers bedside and classroom instruction. Patients can also learn how to play instruments, as well as how to write and record their own music. Younger children may explore instruments in the playroom.
In addition to common instruments like the keyboard, guitar and drums, children can experiment with other instruments from around the world. The focus is on kid-friendly music like rock, blues and hip-hop. The musician-in-residence also facilitates an instrument lending program so kids can borrow instruments after they leave the hospital.
Child Life accepts donations of musical instruments and materials for the Music Program, so children who are exposed to these instruments at UCSF and express an interest can take them home. If you're interested in making a donation, please contact:
Child Life Department
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
505 Parnassus Ave., Room L-171, Box 0210
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone (415) 353-1203
