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At Cook Children’s Medical Center, the atrium resonated with the sounds of Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D minor, captivating patients and their families with its soothing melodies.
From above, nurses and doctors paused on the fourth level, intently listening, smiling and recording the performance, some having just left surgery or on their break.
Haerim Liz Lee believes music has a unique ability to heal in ways medicine cannot.
“While we cannot treat the patient through a lifesaving surgery, musicians have the unique ability to touch a person’s soul and heal their hearts,” said Lee, director of chamber music and assistant professor of violin.
Under the guidance of Lee, this heartwarming performance is part of a concert series launched by the TCU School of Music in partnership with Music Meets Medicine. Founded by College of Science & Engineering alumnus Dr. J. Mack Slaughter ’09, the nonprofit organization donates instruments and offers music lessons to patients in children’s hospitals. 
“Through playing music for and with patients, you give them this escapism,” Slaughter shared in an interview with TCU Magazine. “You give them this positive, uplifting course in the moment. Some people respond to it, and some people really respond to it.”
Held three to four times each semester, the concert series harnesses the transformative power of music to bring healing and joy to patients and staff alike.
The project is deeply personal for Lee, inspired by her own experience at age 16 when she spent two weeks in a children’s hospital recovering from surgery — a moment that solidified her decision to pursue music.
“As I was bedridden, I dearly missed my violin and listened to music all day to help me get through the pain and to pass the time,” recalled Lee. “I realized at that moment how powerful music could be in bringing us joy and comfort even in the most difficult times.”
Creating Meaningful Connections
School of Music students play a central role in this initiative, designing their own recital programs to gain valuable experience in artistic planning and repertoire selection. Performances feature a diverse mix of chamber groups and styles, spanning classical and non-classical genres.
For Natalie Caldwell ’27, a violin performance major, this opportunity holds personal significance. Having once been a patient at a hospital similar to Cook Children’s, she feels a special connection performing for patients and families.
At the age of 6, she watched a violin performance that sparked her passion, and her mom enrolled her in lessons. Now, 13 years later, she continues to share her music.
“I love being able to use this gift that I’ve cultivated for so long to give back to my community in a personal way,” Caldwell said.
To foster a deeper engagement, students share insights about the pieces they perform, creating a meaningful connection with the audience.
“So often, musicians get caught in a bubble, focusing on tiny details to achieve perfection,” explained Lee. “It can lead to burnout, and sometimes, you forget why you started playing music in the first place. Playing at the hospital reminds us of our unique ability to touch lives through music. The listeners don’t care about perfection — they care that you are sharing your love for music with them.”
LaShunda Warner watches as the mother of a patient.
“The music is very relaxing, especially with everything we’ve been going through these last couple of weekends,” she said. “It’s really calming and almost emotional — I’m about to cry.”
The performances have already made a profound impact, both in the atrium and behind the windows of patients’ rooms. Surrounded by four levels, the atrium allows patients to hear and enjoy the music, even if they are unable to come down.
“I’ve been stopped by patients who’ve said they really enjoyed the performance,” shared Megan Hodges-Cook, community program coordinator, referring to those unable to attend in person. “All of the groups are phenomenal, and this is one of my favorites, really.”
Near the end of the performance, the trio played “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin. As Warner prepared to leave the atrium with her daughter, she paused to sing along and dance with her.
“A hospital can be an incredibly lonely place, and we wanted a reason for people to gather, and to see one another for a joyful reason,” said Lee. “Music makes us feel human. This concert series represents what music is truly about — connecting people.”
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