Piano in VA lobby provides music therapy for Veterans

Veterans and staff were all smiles to see their piano returned to the lobby of Jack C. Montgomery VA. The piano’s six-week absence was part of the Whole Health team’s plan in collaboration with the Muskogee Art Guild to enhance the piano’s impact in the hospital.

Staff were pleased to see the new paint job when the piano returned, which was celebrated with a special event.

Artist Michael Todd Jones and fellow art guild members were excited to share his work with VA staff and Veterans during the unveiling ceremony.

“It was a privilege to work on this project and give back to our nation’s Veterans,” said Jones. “To know that something I have done will be on display and be used by Veterans and staff for years to come is an honor.”

Pictured above, Katelynn Quinn, music therapist (second from right), and Joseph Campbell, advanced medical support assistant and pianist (right), with Muskogee Art Guild representatives Wren Stratton (left) and Michael Todd Jones, the artist (second from left).

“Our Veterans mean the world to me.”

Joan McWilliams, whole health coordinator, was thrilled to see the results. The idea was inspired by another music therapy program the whole health team facilitates.

“Our service previously worked with the Muskogee Art Guild during the Challenge America Music Retreat, a program that places locally painted guitars into the hands of our Veterans to help support progress and growth,” said McWilliams. “One of the painted guitars from the retreat is still on display in the lobby for our Veterans to enjoy.”

The piano, complete with a new look and fresh tuning, is available once again to spread joy to those in the facility. A year ago, the piano was headed for auction. Katelynn Quinn, music therapist, had an idea to repurpose it.

Quinn was inspired by seeing pianos available in other public places and envisioned the joy it could bring to Veterans and staff if made available for all to play.

Working with her team and other VA services, the piano was moved to the main lobby. Quinn says it is wonderful to see these simple ideas making such a positive impact.

“For our Veterans who spend a good portion of their day here, it can help just having something they can play around with, like the piano or the guitar,” said Quinn. “I love working with our Veterans because they mean the world to me and if music can help bring more joy to them and our facility, I’m all for it. I have wonderful co-workers who have been very supportive of the program and we want our Veterans to know you don’t have to have a background in music to benefit from music therapy. The therapeutic value of music is invaluable for physical, mental and emotional conditions.”