The Healing Power of Music : Musical Memorial Gardens and Tributes for Loved Ones

The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers On)

Commissioning a memorial to celebrate the lives of those we have lost can be a challenging but rewarding task.

When we lose a loved one, we may find comfort in creating a lasting and meaningful way to remember them. Choosing the right way to honor and celebrate someone's life or work can be incredibly healing for those who are grieving, as it allows them to create something beautiful to honor their memory. Creating a meaningful memorial is a validation of the love and grief that we feel. It can be an empowering act of healing and a way of channeling our energy. Reflecting on our loved one's life is a powerful experience. It allows us to determine what we want to remember and honor about them through their memorial. This can be done by individuals, families, or communities.

We have had the privilege of working with amazing families and organizations, all of whom wanted to commemorate the memories of their loved ones in a special and joyful way. Music is a celebration of life, filled with positivity and brightness, and establishing an outdoor music memorial can bring harmony and light into the lives of others. It can help express emotions and sentiments that might be hard to put into words.

One of the greatest worries people have after a loved one passes away is that they will be forgotten. This fear becomes even more pronounced when the person who has passed away lived a short life. It can be especially challenging to choose a suitable memorial to honor a young life. A community musical instrument or musical space in a park or school playground could be an excellent way to celebrate the life of a friend, brother, or sister who has left this world far too soon. Outdoor musical instruments foster creativity, bring people together, promote physical activity, and bring smiles to people's faces.

Spending time outdoors in a beautiful environment can offer solace and comfort to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. A memorial music garden can act as a healing space for reflection, providing a peaceful and calming atmosphere for families. Musical instruments can serve as a non-threatening way to express emotions. Sensory gardens are highly appreciated by residents, families, nursing homes, and senior center staff as they provide an opportunity to engage the senses and appreciate nature. Gifting an outdoor musical instrument, such as outdoor chimes or an outdoor xylophone, would not only enhance the visual appeal but also create beautiful sounds and encourage gentle exercise for residents to enjoy in the sunshine. It would also offer a different and fun experience for visiting children while they are outdoors.

We are here to help whether you have a general idea or a more specific plan for the kind of memorial you want. Families and organizations we have worked with have chosen a variety of options, such as a single outdoor drum or xylophone, or a complete music garden or playground, to remember their loved ones. We believe in a collaborative process that helps us create fitting tributes that reflect the unique qualities of the person who has passed away.

Here are a few examples of music memorials created to honor exceptional individuals. These examples may inspire you to initiate or participate in a memorial project dedicated to someone who left an unforgettable mark. Some of these memorials are large-scale, while others are smaller; however, each one is created with the love and support of a community. In all of these memorial projects, the focus is on celebrating the life of the individual being honored.

Musical Memorial for Legendary Percussionist Strikes a Chord, New London, Connecticut
Hospital's New Memorial Music Garden Offers a Restful Intergenerational Gathering Space for Patients, Residents and Staff
Gavin's Memorial Garden Brings Music and Joy to Local Neighborhood, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Music-Making and Healing Can Begin as Quinterra Legacy Garden Opens in Calgary Park
St. Feriole Island Memorial Gardens in Wisconsin Bring Music and Nature Together
Bringing Music to Calums Cabin in Memory of a Fantastic Advocate and Supporter
Babel Drum Tribute in Memory of Former Clerk-Treasurer in La Porte, Indiana
Musical Sensory Garden Celebrates Special Pupil Henry

A beautiful way to honor a loved one in the community is by donating an outdoor musical instrument as a memorial gift to a place that was special to them, such as a local school, church, woodland, or park. Percussion Play provides custom engraving on the instrument at no extra charge whenever possible. In cases where space on the instrument is limited, a memorial plaque can be attached or placed next to the instrument to feature a personal inscription that commemorates the life of the loved one.

Memorial musical instruments come in various sizes, styles, and tones, just as diverse as the unique personalities of the individuals being commemorated. They are an excellent way to pay tribute to someone who had a passion for music, the outdoors, or an adventurous spirit.