FAQs

What if my loved one is not feeling up for a concert on the scheduled date? Can we cancel or reschedule?

It’s not uncommon for those at the end-of-life to feel unwell, and often families worry that a concert may be too much. We do not expect recipients to dress up for the concert or even be responsive. In fact, we have performed for many recipients who are sleeping. That’s all to say that we encourage families to go forth with the concert if at all possible. If not, we are happy to reschedule the concert for a different date, and if the recipient truly no longer wants a concert, we can cancel altogether as well.

Is it okay to invite friends and our extended family to the concert?

We encourage family members and friends to share in the concert with their loved one. However, the concert experience is best enjoyed with a small gathering of those close to the recipient. We recommend limiting visitors to no more than 15. This size allows the musicians to connect with the recipient and the family.

Do we need to tip the musicians?

Swan Songs pays our musicians for both their time and mileage to and from the concert so that families can simply enjoy the experience. If you’re happy with the concert, please consider making a donation to our organization so that we can continue providing concerts to other families.

Should I provide snacks and beverages?

There is no need to provide snacks and beverages for the Swan Songs team. However, if you would like to provide refreshments for your family and friends, please feel free to do so.

Can I submit specific song requests?

Yes, please submit your song requests; we try to personalize our concerts to the recipient’s preferences as much as possible. That being said, we cannot guarantee that our musicians will play every song/artist that is requested. Swan Songs musicians are professional musicians, and we want to respect them by not dictating their playlists.

We loved the musician. Can you arrange to have that musician play at my loved one’s memorial service?

With the musician’s permission, we are happy to share contact information, so that the family can make arrangements directly with the musician. We do not facilitate concerts outside the Swan Songs setting.

FOR PROFESSIONALS:

How can I check on the status of my concert request?

You can contact our Swan Songs Concert Manager via email, phone or text for updates: Dorothy Reno at dorothy.reno@swansongs.org / Cell: 512-914-2917

I entered some information on the request incorrectly. How do I submit changes?

Please email the Swan Songs Concert Manager, who will update the concert request with any changes: Dorothy Reno at dorothy.reno@swansongs.org / Cell: 512-914-2917

Does the family need to pay for this service?

Through grants and contributions from our generous donors, Swan Songs provides the concert experience for FREE, while simultaneously paying our musicians for their time and talent.

Can I submit a request for the patient's birthday party?

A birthday is a lovely time to have a Swan Songs’ concert, as often family members will be present who may not normally be able to attend. However, we ask that our guidelines for concert size and format be respected: attendees should be limited to no more than 15. Our musicians do not provide background music for parties, but rather, expect to have a one-on-one interaction with the patient who is being celebrated.

Can a patient receive more than one concert?

Patients can receive one concert per calendar year.

What is the Gift of Song? Can a patient have a Swan Songs Concert AND a Gift of Song?

Some people may not have a strong connection with live music, so a concert doesn’t necessarily make sense for them. Through Gift of Song, a pilot program developed in partnership with songwriter and Founder of Portrait Songs, George Ensle, families and friends can commission a song for a loved one nearing end of life – customized to reflect the recipient’s personal story and unique contribution to the world. The family and friends who are left behind will have something more than a memory; listening to the song can connect them to their loved one and keep them close to their heart.

Through the sponsorship of our generous donors, Swan Songs is able to provide patients with both a Gift of Song and a Swan Songs concert. 

George Ensle to perform the Gift of Song live, this concert will count as the Swan Songs concert.

FOR MUSICIANS:

What if the concert is cancelled? Will I still get paid?

Due to the nature of hospice and working with the terminally ill, it is not uncommon for concerts to be cancelled. In the event that Swan Songs must cancel a scheduled concert, we will pay musicians half of the concert fee. Please note that a concert is “scheduled” when all parties have agreed to a time and date and a confirmation email has been sent.

Can I bring an amp?

The majority of Swan Songs concerts are unplugged/acoustic as those nearing end of life are especially sensitive to sound. However, sometimes a small amount of amplification may be appropriate. Please check with the Swan Songs Concert Manager or your assigned Concert Liaison.

Is there someone on site to help me haul my equipment?

Our organization provides volunteer liaisons to help with on-site troubleshooting, paperwork and coordination. However, for liability reasons, they cannot help haul equipment. Musicians are responsible for getting all equipment to and from their cars.

Can I invite another musician to play with me?

Absolutely! We encourage you to have fun at the concerts and invite additional musicians to share in the concert experience. Please note that we limit the total number of musicians to a maximum of four and encourage solo and duo performances, if at all possible. Swan Songs pays $150 per musician. In addition, if mileage is over 20 miles roundtrip, Swan Songs will reimburse $.30 per mile up to 200 miles. Please note that Swan Songs does not put together musical ensembles; it is up to the musician who was initially contacted to find and coordinate with additional musicians.