Archives > Plano Star-courier > Plano Insider
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
A Singer in every sense
Richardson resident David Singer sings and plays his guitar for patients every Saturday at Baylor Regional Medical Center of Plano. Singer began by playing for his mother while she was in the hospital. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Liz McGathey, Staff writer
Every Saturday David Singer tunes up his guitar and heads to the seventh floor of Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano. Singer is not a professional musician, and he doesn't accept a penny for his performances.
When his elderly mother was in and out of Baylor Plano a year ago and began to require round-the-clock care Singer, an only child, retired from his job to help her. He found his mother's days in the hospital were a little bit brighter when he played his guitar and sang for her.
“During the weekends people don't have as many visitors. This is a way we can offer something to patients that's more non-traditional than just staying at the hospital,” Brewer said. “It helped his mother recover, and it just distracts patients for a little bit of time.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, cancer patients can use music therapy as an alternative or complementary treatment for nausea and pain.
Singer has played guitar for 25 years as a hobby. When he makes his hospital visits he finds out who might need a morale boost and asks if he can play and sing for them.
“I generally just ask what kind of music they like, and figure out a song that might be good for them,” he said. “My repertoire is limited; I guess you'd say pop, country, folk and classical.”
Singer sings for patients in their rooms and occasionally makes an appearance in the hospital coffee shop, lobby or nurse's stations. He said the reactions he receives range depending on the person.
“You get all kinds of responses. People are people – you get all kinds,” Singer said. “I guess that's what makes it really great. Some will just sit dead-pan-faced and then when it's over tell you how much they enjoyed it.”
Brewer said a patient told her Singer's performance was like having a personal concert in their room. She recalled an elderly patient who didn't want to let him leave her room.
Singer said he enjoys playing for patients because it gives him a cause to commit to and get his music out there for others to enjoy.
“David is very passionate about this placement,” Brewer said. “It makes him feel good and it makes [the patients'] day.”
Brewer said the hospital plans to continue the program and hopefully add more instruments as student volunteers start for the summer. And Singer is happy to keep things going.
“I think there's a whole world to be explored out there of the therapeutic benefits of music for healing,” he said. “I'd love to work more at that.”
Singer hopes to become a working musician as his mother continues to get better.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: Plano Insider «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
