As well as concerts, we are dedicated to taking the NYHO into the community with outreach programmes. Past events have involved members playing with patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital for sick children, and care homes for the elderly. We want to formalize and expand these events which provide huge benefits for the recipients as well as valuable experiences for our youngsters.

The use of the harp as a therapeutic instrument is not a new concept; the harp has traditionally been used as an instrument of healing across cultures for millennia. The earliest example of the harp being used as a therapeutic instrument is depicted in cave drawings in France dating to 30,000 B.C.

Currently more and more patients and health care providers turn to holistic approaches to health and well-being, the harp is a natural fit due to timbre (sound) and vibration. Past studies have included positive results in the measurement of pain reduction, post-op recovery time. Sleep, heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Emotionally music can bring great joy and peace enabling well-being.

The NYHO Outreach Programme would like to form partnerships with local health-care facilities, homes for the elderly and mentally and physically disabled people and any money raised would help fund this on going programme.

‘Music is the medicine of the mind’ John Logan.

We would also like to support harp students fulfill their potential regardless of their economic background by setting up a bursary fund. In addition to providing financial support those who need it, we aim to buy a small selection of Harps so that members will be able to draw upon these as and when needed.