The piano resides in the main lobby of the new patient tower near the front entrance of the hospital. The donors wished to purchase the piano for the Alpena hospital after recently seeing and hearing a similar piano at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland.

Julie McCoy, donor, said of her experience, “We were at the hospital in Midland recently and were delighted by the music. It had been a long day and we all gathered next to the piano in the evening. Everyone appreciated hearing the music, and many of us even sang along when we knew the tune. It was very nice, and we wanted something similar for our own local hospital here in Alpena.”

Studies show that listening to music may help promote general health and the management of different disease symptoms, especially those related to stress and poor mental health. Music as a therapeutic tool has become more common in recent years and is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and even social needs. Such therapy can include creating, singing, moving to, and listening to music. Alpena hospital’s new piano will bring similar benefits to its many patients, visitors and staff.

“Having soothing piano music playing in the waiting area creates a warmer and more inviting atmosphere for our patients, families, volunteers, and visitors at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena,” said Ann Diamond, development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. “For some, it is a peaceful distraction offering a calm environment, for others it is an enjoyable way to pass the time. The baby grand itself is beautiful and, thanks to the McCoys, it is a wonderful addition to the hospital lobby, in so many ways.”

Courtesy Photo Lenin Brenes, pianist and IT specialist, MyMichigan Health; Dan Waltz, pianist, vice president and chief information officer, MyMichigan Health; Ann Diamond, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation; Mike Erickson, president, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena; and Julie and Chris McCoy, donors.

“When we saw the piano at MyMichigan Health in Midland, Julie and I wondered why we didn’t have one in Alpena,” Chris McCoy said. “We hope this electronic piano will offer a calming atmosphere and support for the patients and their families.”

The piano is pre-programmed to play hundreds of songs and can also be played manually. Currently, the piano will play pre-programmed music as a schedule for volunteer pianists is being arranged. Pianists interested in volunteering their time to play music at the hospital may contact Ann Diamond at 989-356-7738 or ann.diamond@mymichigan.org.