FOR FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS
Bring comfort and joy to loved ones.
From 5 to 105, our concert recipients vary greatly in their age and favorite style of music. But what they almost always share is the transformation a musical performance brings. With the slightest nod or tap to the grandest smile or sway, each personalized concert evokes very special moments.
Swan Songs will provide a concert for anyone who is terminally ill or nearing the end of life — played by musicians matched to the requested music genre in the recipient’s home or care facility, at no cost to you.
Nearing the end of life doesn't mean the final days.
Families often wait, thinking a concert belongs at the very end — but the earlier a request comes, the more fully the recipient can participate in their favorite style of music.
The right time to ask is now.
WHEN TO ASK
WHAT WE DO
At no cost to you, a requested style of music is performed by a regional musician at the recipient’s home or care facility.
SUPPORTING THE ARTS
Because supporting live music is part of the Swan Songs mission, musicians are compensated for every performance.
A concert is as unique as the recipient: it may include joy, peace, tears, and laughter.
THE EXPERIENCE
IN A FAMILY’S WORDS
“My Dad, who was unable to speak, was mouthing the words to some of his favorites. I know it meant a lot to him, and it sure meant a lot to me. The experience is difficult to put into words, but I think it’s just the contrast of joy that overcomes a space filled with grief. It’s truly a beautiful and wonderful thing.”
HOW IT WORKS
Every Swan Songs concert begins with a request — their music, their moment.
1. The Request
Anyone can request a concert — a family member, a friend, a care professional, or even the recipient. Most people ask for a style of music, and we offer almost every possible option.
2. The Match
Swan Songs matches each request with professional musicians whose artistry best fits. When time is short, concerts can come together within hours.
3. The Concert
30–40 minutes, usually unplugged, held in the recipient’s home or care facility. Family, caregivers, and other guests are often present to share in the experience.
WHEN AN IN-PERSON CONCERT ISN’T POSSIBLE
There is still a way.
Where health or safety concerns prevent a live concert — isolation precautions, infection control, or immunocompromise — we can create a custom pre-recorded or virtual concert that the family can also keep and share afterward. Just select one of these options when completing the concert request form and a concert planner will coordinate with you to make it happen.
ON THE DAY
The concert experience
A concert liaison — a trained volunteer with a heart for our mission — arrives with the musician(s) and stays for the performance. They are your point of contact for anything you need. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
The details of the concert remain confidential and private. With your permission, the liaison may take photos and videos to capture special moments.
What follows is as unique as the recipient: sometimes joy, sometimes peace, sometimes tears and laughter, all within the 30-40 minutes of the concert.
Country • Blues • Rock • Big Band • Classical • Mariachi • Bluegrass • Bagpipes • Gospel • Hymns • Folk • Accordion • Pop • Jazz • Motown • Opera • Polka
• Just some of the music styles available •
Frequently Asked Questions
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Swan Songs fulfills musical last wishes by organizing private concerts for individuals with a terminal illness or nearing the end of life. At no cost to the family, a favorite style of music or regional musician is brought directly to the home or care facility.
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Nothing for recipients. There is no financial obligation on the part of the family, and no suggested donation. Swan Songs raises the funds so that we can pay the musicians ourselves.
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Whatever holds meaning — a style, a genre, an instrument, or a particular local musician. Past requests have ranged from mariachi and bagpipes to Elvis, gospel, harp and Lithuanian accordion.
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Most concerts are scheduled within a few weeks, at a time and place that suits the recipient and family. When time is short, concerts can come together within hours.
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Swan Songs brings music to wherever the recipient is. This can include private homes, hospitals, and skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and residential care homes.
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Photos and videos will only be taken and shared with express permission. This can be granted by the concert recipient or a designated family member.
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Recipients may be eligible for a second concert 12 months after their first concert date, based on availability.
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There are times when this happens. Once Swan Songs has been notified, we will cancel the concert.