Josh: Music, Connection, and Community: Josh's Story at the VSC
What is the role of music in your life? Here is Josh’s story, a volunteer at the VSC leading Music classes.
Music has been a central theme in Josh’s life from the very beginning. He was raised in a family of musicians so grew up with instruments in his hand. His father was a High School band director and his mother a drummer. Music, he says, has always been “the key component” of who he is.
The Power of Music and the Desire to Give Back
After stepping away from a career in advertising a few years ago, Josh realized he needed to connect with others in a more meaningful way. He began his volunteering journey with Musicians on Call and visited hospitals, bringing the music to people in need.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the live experience shifted online, opening up new doors for Josh. He received an email about a partnership between Musicians on Call and the Virtual Senior Center (VSC), seeking volunteers to host interactive classes for older adults.
Josh’s virtual class is called Songs Across Time, which is more than just a class—it is the opportunity for connection. With the setlist of 20 or so songs, and a love of storytelling, Josh crafts each class with care. “I think it’s one thing to have a performance, but it’s another to have the conversation,” he explains.
His storytelling adds another layer of richness to the experience. Between songs, Josh shares tidbits about the music, the artists, and even his personal connection to certain tracks.
Building a Community Through Music
Josh’s class fosters a sense of togetherness. This bond often leads to moments of unexpected joy.
One regular attendee, a former theater singer, shared photos and stories about her time performing in local musicals. “She got to take us back in time with her,” Josh recalls. Such moments remind Josh of why he volunteers.
Josh values feedback as an essential part of his class. Whether it’s a request for a favorite song or an audience member noting how much they appreciated a performance, every bit of input helps him adapt and improve.
Sometimes, the feedback comes in surprising ways. “There are a few songs I play every single week—because I love the reactions to those songs,” he explains. Josh even performs his original songs, which have been met with unexpected enthusiasm. For Josh, volunteering is more than an act of giving—it’s a source of personal fulfillment.