Zoom Names Musicians On Call Second Place Overall Winner in Global Innovation Awards

Over the past 18 months hospital patients and frontline healthcare workers have dealt with extreme stress and isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Musicians On Call (MOC) developed innovative techniques to use Zoom to continue delivering the joys of live music to hospitals when they needed it the most. This week Zoom honored MOC for our creative and impactful use of the platform and named us the second place overall winner and Deepened Connections & Experiences category winner in the 2021 Zoomtopia Innovation Awards.

By integrating Zoom into the Virtual Bedside Performance Program, MOC seamlessly connects Volunteer Guides and Volunteer Musicians in a Zoom chat for a 30-minute live performance from the safety of their own homes. These performances are broadcast throughout hospitals via CCTV networks, and patients and caregivers can also watch on personal handheld devices with YouTube Live. MOC also arranges intimate one-on-one visits between patients and Volunteer Musicians, including well-known recording artists, to share meaningful connections over their favorite songs.

“Receiving such high recognition from Zoom for our use of the platform in our virtual programs is an incredible honor for Musicians On Call. The fact that our organization’s innovations were showcased among the best of the best globally speaks volumes about the dedication and ingenuity of our team, volunteers, hospital partners and supporters. We would not have been able to make such unforgettable connections happen for deserving patients and caregivers over the past year without them,” said Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin.

The annual Zoomtopia Innovation Awards recognizes Zoom customers around the globe that embody innovation, inspiration, and creativity in their use of the platform. This year’s winning organizations and startups were from cities including Melbourne, Australia, New York City and San Francisco.

Using Zoom to expand the Virtual Bedside Performance Program in response to COVID-19, MOC reached more than 150,000 people in a single year with the healing power of music, the most in one year in our 20+ year history. At a time when the music could have stopped entirely, MOC continued delivering the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of music to hospitals.