Spreading joy through music

At just three years old, I was introduced to music by Ms. Harmony Nagle, my neighbor. In our apartment complex, she would play the piano for me. This was the beginning of my love for music. As I grew, I picked up the violin in kindergarten, performed in school concerts, and cherished the musical bond I shared with her.

When Ms. Harmony later moved into a nursing home, I would visit her and play the violin for her, just like she would play the piano for me when I was younger. Ms. Harmony loved music and bringing people together, so she would host concerts at her residential home and invite me to play the violin there. She would sing while I played. These moments stuck with me and deepened my passion for music even more. Eventually, Ms. Harmony passed away, but her memory and musical spirit live on.

In her honor, during my freshman year of high school, I founded Happiness with Harmony, a nonprofit that brings student musicians to nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, and community venues to spread joy, build confidence, and foster connection. Our mission is to bring generations together through music and build confidence within young musicians.

We organize student musicians in our community to perform for audiences in care settings and community spaces. These performances create intergenerational connections, allow older adults to relive memories through music, and help young performers grow in confidence and purpose.

One concert stays with me. An elderly woman recognized a melody during a performance from her youth and began singing softly. That moment reminded me why I started this: music heals, connects, and unites us all.

Editor’s note: Email [email protected] if you have an elementary school-age child who would like to perform at a concert or if you’d like to become a community sponsor. See www.happinesswithharmony.org.

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