Bio

Bringing Joy

Music with Heart has helped Greater Boston's forgotten populations find respite, joy and hope through our interactive music program for more than three decades.

During the Christmas season in 1991, Brighton residents Tim and Jane McHale went caroling in local nursing homes and hospitals. They were amazed at the positive transformation of the audience once the music started. The joy generated by sharing beloved songs gave them an idea. The couple decided to use their musical talents in their spare time to reach people who were isolated, physically or socially. They worked up a repertoire of familiar tunes designed to engage and encourage audiences and their participation. And they enlisted other music lovers to join them on visits to homeless shelters, senior facilities and prisons.

The resulting joy increased and Music with Heart (initially known as the Boston Minstrels) evolved into a non-profit organization with a roster of volunteer singers and musicians from a wide range of life experiences – including some who first met Tim and Jane when they themselves were homeless shelter guests. The schedule of performances and programs in each subsequent year includes annual returns to venues with which the group has sustained long-term relationships. Music with Heart has also expanded its mission by reaching out to memory care facilities and programs, recognizing - as many studies have shown - the salutary effect on the memories of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia conditions. 

From the beginning, Music with Heart has fostered a mutually inspiring environment of community spirit. A gig is never musicians on one side of the microphone and a passive audience on the other, but the building of a “musical bridge” between the homeless, infirm or imprisoned and the rest of us. A prisoner becomes a soloist to the delight of her peers, A homeless person becomes part of the choir.  A memory care patient recalls the words to a song, smiles in recognition and starts singing, joined by peers and spouses. Dancing will break out and everyone contributes to the making of a positive memory.  Everyone matters.

During the course of this year, Music with Heart will sing, dance, share conversation and otherwise reach out at over 50 events, connecting with more than 1,500 people to make their day a bit more joyful.