Background: Implementing music in the intensive care unit has increased in popularity because the environment can be stressful and anxiety inducing for many patients. In hospital settings, therapeutic music can be beneficial for patients’ well-being and recovery. Although live music typically involves a face-to-face encounter between the musician and patient, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a change to virtual live therapeutic music, using technology to present music in real time (eg, with a tablet computer). Objective: To generate novel findings regarding patients’ perceptions of virtual live therapeutic music, which has been little studied compared with live or recorded music.. Methods: Fifty patients in Vanderbilt University Medical Center intensive care units listened to virtual live music played by a volunteer musician via an online video communication platform. Patients’ responses to 5 survey questions were transcribed and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using data analysis software. Results: Seven major themes describing the familiarity and significance of music for patients were identified. Forty-seven patients (94%) experienced positive emotions from the music, 46 (92%) indicated that music was a significant part of their lives, 28 (56%) accessed a cherished memory, and 45 (90%) indicated that they would not change anything. Conclusions: Therapeutic virtual music was well received and provided tangible benefits to patients. Additional research would provide information on patients’ outcomes and differences between live and virtual live music.

In high-risk industries, responding accurately and promptly to spoken commands is crucial to ensure safety and productivity. When simultaneous sounds occur, it increases the difficulty of responding efficiently and accurately. This study examined responses to spoken commands in an audio-visual multitasking paradigm that simulated a high-consequence working environment. Participants had varying levels of formal music training (FMT): no FMT, 1–3, 3–5, and 5+ years of FMT. We found that FMT groups were similar in accuracy overall and background music decreased accuracy for all groups. The degree of FMT significantly impacted non-response. Additionally, there was an interaction where the no FMT group responded 1.5-fold less frequently in the presence of background music; however, participants with 5+ years of FMT had no decrease. Considering the similar accuracy with less frequent responding, the 5+ years FMT group appears well calibrated to when they were unsure of the answer, suggestive of improved meta-cognition which could be valuable in high-risk industry settings. Future research can examine performance within different types or quality of musical training, and pedagogical approaches can be compared.

Background: Therapeutic music has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, while boosting mood and overall well-being in numerous settings. Building on the success of Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s (VUMC) Therapeutic Music Program, and in collaboration with AARP Tennessee and the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt, a community-based therapeutic music program was introduced, focusing on community assisted living centers and Veteran audiences. Objective: To evaluate the experience and perceptions of Veteran and senior citizens to live therapeutic music performances in order to guide future program development and music selection. Methods: Performances were held at a local Veterans Affairs Medical Center and assisted living facilities, involving 42 participants. Student musicians performed music pieces with violin, piano, saxophone, and vocals. After each performance, audience members completed an anonymous survey. Results: Survey results revealed that 93% (n = 39) of participants recognized music as a significant or moderately significant part of their lives. Most participants enjoyed a wide variety of instruments and genres (60%, N = 24). Participants appreciated the live performance, vocal pieces, and the atmosphere it created. Conclusions: Data on preferred genres and instruments can guide the selection of musicians for other therapeutic programs. Furthermore, insights into the most enjoyable parts of the performance can inform customization of future music performances to help better address the needs of different audiences.