WHAT WE DO
The music is as unique as the person.
Swan Songs fulfills musical last wishes — private concerts matched to each recipient's favorite music, at no cost to the families or care facilities, with musicians paid for every performance.
20+ years
of musical last wishes
3k+
concerts since 2005
500+
requests this year
800+
musicians compensated
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.
At no cost to you, a requested style of music is performed by a regional musician at the recipient’s home or care facility.
What We Do
Because supporting live music is part of the Swan Songs mission, musicians are compensated for every performance.
Supporting The Arts
A concert is as unique as the recipient: it may include joy, peace, tears, and laughter.
The Experience
OUR PROGRAMS
Musical Last Wishes Concerts
Swan Songs creates a sense of connection for individuals near the end of life by gifting them private concerts and supports live music in a community by compensating the artists. These intimate "musical last wishes" concerts are held in healthcare facilities or private homes, and are often attended by family, loved ones, and caregivers. Swan Songs maximizes the impact of the concerts by engaging musicians who match each recipient's favorite style of music, songs, or instruments. From opera to mariachi, bluegrass to the blues, each concert is unique and deeply meaningful for everyone present.
While musical last wishes concerts are the primary program, Swan Songs also offers two additional opportunities to include music in the end-of-life experience.
Photo by Brenda Ladd
Gift of Song™
The Gift of Song is created by a professional songwriter based on someone’s life, customized to reflect their personal story and unique contribution to the world. For those who are facing the end of their time here, hearing their life journey in a song can bring dignity, comfort, and closure. Those who are left behind will have something more than a memory: listening to a song inspired by the colorful details of someone’s life keeps them close to the heart for generations to come.
The Gift of Song program is a partnership with Texas songwriter and founder of Portrait Songs, George Ensle.
Swan Songs Writing Sessions™ (Austin only)
The Swan Songs Writing Sessions program pairs a loved one who is terminally ill or nearing the end of life with professional songwriter and artist, Darden Smith. Together, they collaborate to capture the individual’s story and uniqueness. Family or friends can also be involved, rendering the songwriting experience as both a celebration and tribute, one preserved in lyrics and melody that can be sung and shared with others for eternity.
Contact us for more information and to request a writing session.