Music Matters

Grace Sun knows the power of music. That is why she started Melodies for Remedies. The group shares music with senior citizens. It visits senior centers. It plays in hospitals. Student musicians volunteer their time and talent.

Audrey Zhou performs during a Melodies for Remedies benefit concert in 2022.

“From the beginning, our goal has never changed,” Sun told TIME for Kids. It is “to bring connection and joy” to others.

Audrey’s little sister sells tickets for the benefit concert.

Making Memories

Audrey Zhou, 14, is a volunteer. She lives in San Diego, California. That is where Melodies for Remedies is based. One day, she says, the group performed for senior citizens with memory problems. It picked songs that were popular when the seniors were younger.

In 2022, volunteers visit with music lovers at a senior center in California.

The music sparked something. The audience started to sing. “We couldn’t even hear ourselves,” Audrey says. “They were singing so loud!”

Melodies for Remedies volunteers celebrate after a successful concert.

This taught her a lesson. Music can have an effect that is “stronger than we think,” she says.

Magical Moments

Studies show that music is good for the brain. Research has also shown that volunteering is good for kids and teens.

Grace Sun (left) and Aster Jin show off some of the instruments they use at events with seniors.

Sun is proud of her group. It has built a community. She loves seeing students and seniors chatting after a performance.

“It is such a magical thing,” Sun says. “This is something that I find a lot of purpose in.”