Volunteer Musician for Musicians on Call, Asheville VA Medical Center

About Musicians on Call

Musicians On Call (MOC) is an award-winning national nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to veterans and other adults facing any health challenge, including Veterans recovering in VA facilities, family members supporting loved ones in need, and healthcare workers caring for patients.

During each shift, a Volunteer Guide escorts a Volunteer Musician room to room offering a live, acoustic performance to patients. 

MOC needs YOU to help us spread the healing power of music at HCA Mission Hospital, and the Asheville VA Medical Center!

• HCA Mission Hospital Thursdays @ 4pm ET

• Asheville VA Medical Center Wednesdays @ 5:30pm ET

• *Volunteers must complete one 90 minute shift once a month for at least one year

Being a Volunteer Musician with Musicians on Call

Musicians On Call’s Volunteer Musicians deliver music by going room-to-room to perform at the bedsides of patients in healthcare environments. Volunteer Musicians are always accompanied by a Certified MOC Volunteer Guide, who is familiar with their assigned hospital’s protocols and procedures and will introduce the Musician and help support conversation in each room.

Volunteer Musician Responsibilities:

• Fulfill all requirements of the MOC Volunteer Musician role
• Arrive in proper dress code with set-list and instrument
• Remain with the Volunteer Guide at all times
• Prepare at least 5 program-appropriate songs from the MOC Song Database in varying tempos (songs can be repeated during the shift)
• Be prepared to perform anywhere between 90 minutes to 2 hours
• Abide by MOC Repertoire Policies when choosing suitable songs in each room
• Be prepared to perform without lyric or sheet music
• Be present and engaged with the patient while performing, maintaining emotional composure
• Represent Musicians On Call’s values: Community, Compassion, Inclusivity, Excellence, and Innovation
• Perform one song in each room when directed by the Volunteer Guide
• While music can be therapeutic, your role with Musicians On Call is to provide entertainment and is volunteer-based. Musicians On Call’s programs are not a form of Music Therapy. Our Volunteers provide entertainment to patients and their families during their hospital stay. 

Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Commit to volunteering once per month for a minimum of one year 
• Submit an acoustic music sample for review suitable for performing in a hospital environment. MOC only accepts experienced performers, and each music sample will be reviewed by a panel to ensure it meets MOC's quality standards 
• Complete MOC’s Volunteer Certification, which includes a Background Check and online training
• In some cases, complete additional and annual healthcare facility clearances, as required by the hospital (such as proof of immunizations, additional health clearances such as TB Test, and hospital-specific training in order to volunteer) 
• Be able to play music acoustically and move from room to room. If a Musician must sit while playing their instrument, they should bring a portable chair or stool
• Be comfortable performing and interacting in an intimate environment where they will see patients who are not feeling well, distressed family members, IV poles, bandages, etc.
• Uphold and adhere to all MOC policies and guidelines, including HIPPA
• Prepare at least 5 program-appropriate songs from the MOC Song Database in varying tempos (songs can be repeated during the shift)