Everything Under The Sun: Bringing Music To Those With Cancer

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Bringing Music To Those With Cancer

Some of the musical instruments gathered for the organization's clients.

No doubt about it. Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer faces quite a battle. The medications used in that battle are toxic and make a person feel even worse, while they attempt to eradicate the encroachment of cancer cells. For quite a few the battle lasts for years and not just months.

That may be why such a variety of organizations are also involved in this battle. Some address the disease itself in its many forms. Others address the individuals affected by adding quality of life and bolstering the spirit. One of the organizations that works closely with the people who have the illness is TUNING HAPPINESS.

From the standpoint of both Ariel Steinberger and David Bamshad, who founded the organization, it started with a passion for music. Both young men were aware of the power of music to lift the spirit. They wanted to take the benefits of music a bit farther and provide musical instruction to those fighting cancer. Not only would those receiving services be able to listen to music, they could also make it, and it would sound good.

The organization supplies talented volunteers as musical instructors, who provide individualized lessons to people suffering from cancer and who have been referred by various cancer organizations. But it goes farther than that. By meeting with the instructor for lessons, the individual served establishes a close relationship with the instructor, that provides support and friendship. The entire cost of lessons, plus musical instrument, is provided by Tuning Happiness.

Tuning Happiness is funded by monetary donations and donations in kind. Those who wish a closer relationship with the organization can participate as musical instructors, working one to one with those in need; provide IT services; help develop the marketing aspects, including partnerships to strengthen the organization; and fundraising functions.

One of the recent contacts with Tuning Happiness was Sam Ash Music Stores. One of the store's sales staff informed the management about the work of Tuning Happiness after meeting Mr. Steinberger, who was at the store to purchase a guitar for a young girl with cancer. The store posted, "This guy with me is a truly incredible human - he runs a company called #tuninghappiness and he buys guitars for sick children and teaches them how to play guitar. This guitar was purchased for a little girl with cancer, it nearly brought me to tears when he told me what he did. Im [sic] glad to know that good people still exist."

Ariel Steinberger at Sam Ash Music Store.

Wonderful shoutout to an organization that brightens the lives of those with cancer. But their work is also extending beyond their own mission to promote hope in human warmth, too.