About Us

Our story began with one simple act of kindness. When Ethan was only 10 years old, he started visiting retirement homes to play piano for seniors. He didn’t know it then, but those small visits would spark a mission much bigger than he imagined. Every time he played, he saw something amazing.  People relaxed, smiled, and even cried happy tears. He noticed that music didn’t just entertain people… it changed the way they felt. That curiosity grew into a Science & Engineering Fair project called “Music As Medicine Rx: How Does Music Affect the Brain?” Ethan dove into neuroscience studying brainwaves, emotional health, and how sound interacts with the human nervous system. His research revealed that music affects the brain in powerful ways: Alpha waves (associated with calmness and relaxation) increased when seniors listened to soothing music. Theta waves (linked to emotional healing, memory, and deep relaxation) appeared when seniors listened to nostalgic or meaningful songs. Beta waves (responsible for alertness and focus) increased with upbeat music, helping seniors feel more energized and awake. Music strengthened the brain’s neural pathways, supporting better memory and emotional regulation. Sound vibrations stimulated the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in reducing stress and promoting well-being. MRI studies showed that music activates the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions releasing dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Heart rates and breathing patterns became more stable when listening to live music, showing clear effects on the autonomic nervous system. Ethan also learned that many seniors suffer from anxiety, depression, and deep loneliness and that a painful percentage of senior suicides stem from isolation. His research showed that music, especially live music combined with personal connection, can dramatically improve mood, calm anxiety, and make seniors feel valued and remembered. That project changed his life. Ethan realized that music wasn’t just a hobby, it was a form of healing. And he believed God was calling him to use the gifts he was given to help others. Soon, his friends joined him. Some played instruments, some sang, and some simply came to spend time with seniors who needed love, conversation, and joy. Together, they saw how powerful it was when science, compassion, and music came together. What started as a science project grew into a movement. As the group expanded, they wanted to help even more people including children in underprivileged communities who didn’t have access to instruments. They began fundraising to buy violins, keyboards, guitars, and recorders for kids in underprivileged communities, giving them the same chance to experience the brain-boosting, life-changing power of music. Today, Music As Medicine RX is a growing team of young people who blend neuroscience, faith, kindness, and music to bring healing to others. Every visit, every performance, and every donated instrument is another chapter in our story, one that continues to grow, one smile and one song at a time.