A Song and a Smile: The Importance of Sharing Your Music

 “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
— Pablo Picasso

This quote by Pablo Picasso has always resonated with me. It reminds me that whatever gifts we have, they are meant to be shared—especially with those who can never repay you. For me, my gift has always been music.

Growing up, I was lucky to have a granddad who showed me the beauty of giving back through music. He took me into nursing homes where we would play, sing, and sometimes even dance with the residents. It felt natural, like a community tradition. I imagined that everywhere, musicians were gathering in nursing homes, offering their time and talents to brighten the lives of the elderly.

But as I got older, life became busier. I started playing with bands, touring, and traveling. The “freebie” shows at nursing homes slipped to the back of my mind. I was focused on my career—performing for big crowds, making money, and enjoying the rush of the stage. Music had become my job, and in doing so, it began to lose some of its purpose.

Despite the excitement of life on the road, something always felt missing. Sure, I was traveling, meeting people, and performing on National TV shows. I had everything I’d dreamed of. But there was an emptiness I couldn't quite name. I couldn't shake the feeling that something important was missing in my music—and in my life.

Then, due to a health issue, I had to step away from touring. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I had the time to reflect, to reconnect with my family, and to rediscover the joy of sharing music with others. I began to return to my roots, playing in nursing homes again—and that's when I found the fulfillment I'd been searching for.

For the last 22 years, I’ve spent my time serving others with my music. And while this chapter of my story is far from over, it feels like the true beginning.

The Power of Music in Nursing Homes
​When I first returned to nursing homes, I quickly remembered why I loved it so much. In many ways, I had more fun than the residents. I saw their faces light up when they heard songs they grew up with, their smiles as big as mine. The joy was mutual. But it wasn’t just about music—it was about connecting. It became clear that many nursing homes had few musicians visiting, and even fewer regularly performing. Of the hundreds of musicians I knew, only a handful volunteered to perform in nursing homes.
At the same time, I started teaching private lessons, eventually adding group lessons, and organizing student performances at nursing homes. I wanted to share this blessing with others. So, I formed bands with my students, sent them out to perform, and most recently, I’ve been recruiting musicians to do the same.

The response was incredible, but I noticed a gap in the larger music community. Many singers, musicians, and bands I knew loved performing, but they didn’t know how to get involved with nursing homes. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to—it was just that they didn’t know where to start.
That’s when I realized my mission: To help musicians bridge that gap.

Overcoming the Obstacles
Many aspiring musicians get discouraged because they think they need to be “good enough” to perform in front of others. They worry they have to play perfectly or be at a certain level before they can share their music. But that’s not true.

In fact, you don’t need to be a virtuoso to make a difference. You can perform simple songs in easy keys, leading a sing-along with residents. The key is making music that feels familiar, something that evokes memories and brings joy. Residents aren’t worried about whether you’re playing the song exactly as it was recorded or if you can play fast solos. They just want to hear a familiar tune and feel the connection.
I’ve learned to simplify songs by adjusting the key to suit everyone’s instruments and even leaving out solos—no one will miss them. And you don’t need to constantly learn new songs. You could play the same 15 songs every time, and the residents will never tire of hearing them. The comfort and joy they feel from the music will always be fresh.

Imagine for a moment: If you lived in a nursing home where you couldn’t leave except for doctor visits, and rarely had visitors, wouldn’t you appreciate someone coming in to play songs that bring back memories? Would you care if the band didn’t play perfectly or if the same songs were repeated each visit? No. What matters is the connection, the gesture, and the joy of hearing a song that takes you back in time.

The Joy of Giving and Receiving
What I’ve found over these years is that the more I give, the more I receive. Volunteering and playing for others benefits not just those we help, but also ourselves. It brings fulfillment, purpose, and even health benefits. Playing music and volunteering can lift your spirit, improve your mental well-being, and deepen your sense of community.

If you want to start sharing your music, I’ve got a solution to help you get started. At the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, we’ve created a video that breaks down everything you need to know about playing live music in nursing homes. From choosing songs to booking gigs, and from learning to interact with residents to overcoming obstacles, we’ve got you covered. We even provide backing tracks, fiddle and mandolin tabs, and chord charts to help you stay on track.

Search for “Learn to Play Live Music in a Nursing Home” on YouTube to find the video. We’ve made it easy so you can get started today.

A Final Thought
Sharing your gift doesn’t require perfection. It only requires a willingness to give—and to connect. If you’re a musician, I encourage you to try. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned performer, you can make a difference with just a few simple songs, a guitar, and a smile.
A song and a smile can go a long way. You never know how much you’ll impact someone else’s life—so why not start today?

Written by Randy Lanham,
Education and Outreach Director at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum.