FOR FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS
Someone you love should get to hear their song.
An intimate, personalised concert for someone who is terminally ill or nearing the end of life — in their home or care facility, at no cost to you, played by professional musicians we pay.
"Nearing the end of life" doesn't mean the final days.
Families often wait, thinking a concert belongs to the very end — but the earlier a request comes, the more fully the person can share in their music. If someone you love has a terminal illness, the right time to ask is now.
WHEN TO ASK
At no cost to the family, a favorite style of music or a beloved regional musician comes directly to the home or care facility.
COST & LOGISTICS
Because supporting live music is part of the mission, every musician is compensated for every performance.
SUPPORTING THE ARTS
What follows is as unique as the person who requested it: sometimes joy, sometimes peace, sometimes tears and laughter in the same song. Swan Songs doesn't promise a particular feeling — it honors whatever comes.
THE EXPERIENCE
IN A FAMILY’S WORDS
“Last night grandma was so energetic and talkative. She stayed awake until 11:30 talking about her life and fun times. We laughed so hard, including her. I know it was the energy brought in the house from her concert.”
Every Swan Songs concert begins with a request — their music, their moment.
HOW IT WORKS
1 The Request
Anyone can request a concert — a family member, a friend, a care professional, or the person themselves. Most people ask for a style of music: opera or mariachi, bluegrass or the blues, gospel or rock.
2 The Match
Swan Songs staff match each request with professional musicians whose artistry fits the person and the moment. When time is short, concerts can come together within hours.
3 The Concert
A 30–40 minute unplugged concert in the home or care facility, often shared with family, loved ones, and caregivers. Intimate, personal, and theirs.
WHEN A CONCERT ISN’T POSSIBLE
There is still a way.
If health or safety concerns prevent a live, in-person concert — infection precautions, isolation, distance — we can create a custom pre-recorded or virtual concert instead, one the family can keep and share for years afterward.
Ask about this when you make your request, or mention it if circumstances change. It is a full alternative, not a consolation.
ON THE DAY
What actually happens
A concert liaison — a trained volunteer who has signed a confidentiality agreement — arrives with the musicians and stays for the performance. They are your point of contact for anything you need.
You do not need to host. No food, no chairs to arrange, no tidying. People listen from the bed, from the doorway, from wherever they are comfortable.
All details remain confidential and private. Nothing about the concert is photographed, written about or shared unless you tell us in writing that we may — and you choose exactly what and where.
What follows is as unique as the person who asked: sometimes joy, sometimes peace, sometimes tears and laughter in the same song. We don’t promise a particular feeling. We honour whatever comes.
Country • Blues • Rock • Big Band • Classical • Mariachi • Bluegrass • Irish • Bagpipes • Christmas • Harp • Gospel • Hymns • Folk • Elvis • Beatles • Lithuanian Accordion
You tell us.
Questions Families Ask
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Anyone who is terminally ill or nearing the end of life, at home or in a healthcare facility. There is no age limit and no diagnosis requirement.
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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, say so — concerts have come together within hours.
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Yes. Circumstances change and a second request is welcome. Just ask.
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Only with your written permission. You choose what may be shared and where, and you can change your mind at any time. If you would rather nothing were shared, that is a complete answer and we will not ask twice.
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It happens, and it is not a failure. Music can still be part of a memorial if that would help. Call us and we will talk it through.