Organization: Musicians On Call (MOC)
Opportunity Type: Volunteer
Location: Participating healthcare facilities across the United States, including the NYC area
Commitment: One 90-minute shift per month for at least one year
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and U.S. residents
About Musicians On Call
Musicians On Call brings the healing power of live and virtual music to patients, families, and healthcare staff in hospitals and other healthcare settings across the country, including facilities in the New York City area.
Volunteers perform music at patients’ bedsides or virtually, creating moments of comfort, connection, and joy through musical performances.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are two ways to get involved with Musicians On Call.
1. Volunteer as a Musician
Musicians perform uplifting, hospital-appropriate songs for patients, either individually or in small groups of two or three. Performances may take place room-to-room or virtually.
Applicants should be prepared to perform 3–5 memorized songs from MOC’s approved Song Database. Songs should generally avoid explicit language, drug references, and heavy themes.
2. Volunteer as a Guide (Non-Musician)
Guides support musician volunteers during hospital visits and help facilitate the volunteer experience.
This role is suitable for individuals who want to contribute to the program without performing music. The Guide application also requires an audition-style application process.
Eligibility and Requirements
To volunteer with Musicians On Call, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a U.S. resident.
- Commit to one 90-minute volunteer shift per month for at least one year.
- Complete the online Musicians On Call Volunteer Certification, including lessons and quizzes.
- Pass a background check.
Additional requirements: Some participating hospitals may require additional onboarding, including a health screening and proof of immunization.
Volunteer Schedule
- Commitment: One 90-minute shift per month for at least one year.
- Typical schedule: Monday through Thursday evenings.
- Shift times: Vary depending on the participating hospital.
- Format: In-person or virtual, depending on the opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can create an account and complete the online application through the official Musicians On Call website.
For Musicians: Apply to Volunteer as a Musician
Applicants must submit an audition video that follows the organization’s video requirements.
For Guides (Non-Musician Volunteers): Apply through the official Musicians On Call Guide volunteer page. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and U.S. residents, complete the online application and audition video, finish volunteer certification, and pass a background check. Volunteers should be able to commit to one 90-minute shift per month for at least one year. Additional hospital onboarding may be required.
Questions? Email volunteers@musiciansoncall.org.
Questions?
For questions about volunteer opportunities, eligibility, or the application process, contact Musicians On Call through its official contact page.
