Volunteer’s harp music brings calm to hospital waiting room

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Aging Untold) — On one of its busiest surgery days, the waiting room at McLeod Seacoast Hospital fills with something other than the sounds of monitors and footsteps: the soft notes of a harp.

Peg Mann is a hospital volunteer who begins her shift by escorting patients and pushing the comfort cart before setting up her harp to play for patients and families waiting for answers.

Music in medical spaces

Mann plays relaxing songs, some religious music and her favorite, “Angel’s Hymn.”

“And I like it, because you’re just the background. You’re not the center of attention. That’s not my cup of tea,” Mann said.

Aging Untold expert Amy O’Rourke said music can have a powerful effect in stressful medical environments.

“Music calms the nervous system. People are scared and they’re anxious in the hospital setting, and music brings peace, calms them down, gives them a feeling of safety and comfort,” O’Rourke said.

Beyond the music

Mann said McLeod Seacoast is where she feels called to share her music despite having performed at weddings and in church settings.

“I’ve played five weddings before, and I’ve played in church, but this is what I like to do,” Mann said.

When she is not playing, Mann checks in with families — talking, listening and offering support.

“I feel like I have new friends every day when I go home,” she said.

O’Rourke said the act of volunteering itself carries benefits for older adults.

“When older adults are giving in this way, they’re really strengthening themselves, healing themselves. Giving to others gives that emotional connection, sense of purpose, in a really deep long-lasting way,” O’Rourke said.