Meet Bruce Vaught, our featured volunteer from Phoenix!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? I volunteer at Phoenix Veteran’s Hospital and Phoenix Children’s Hospital
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? 3 years
Are you a Volunteer Guide or Volunteer Musician? Musician
What is Your Favorite Song to Sing for Patients? A song I wrote titled “Stardust Lullaby”
Have you ever been part of an impromptu jam session with patients or family in a hospital room? Oh, yeah! I’ve jammed impromptu in the visitor’s lobby at PCH and also have played for staff at the PCH and VA nurse stations.
Do you perform anywhere else besides with MOC? Yes, I perform every Friday evening at The Coffee Shop at Agritopia here in Gilbert, AZ
What is your occupation outside of MOC? I’m retired after a 27 year career in nuclear power, and am completing a grueling 7.5 month program to become a Licensed Massage Therapist.
Do You Have Any Hidden Talents? That would be telling! However, yes I love to cook and serve food for my friends.
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? I’ve been playing guitar since I was 8 years old. I took formal classical/flamenco lessons, which gave me the foundation for learning to hear music and ultimately teach guitar. There’s just something about allowing the spirit of music to flow through me that connects me with people unlike anything else. Performing is truly the only time I feel like I’m serving my purpose in life. Since I’m an Air Force Veteran, it was a natural fit for me to begin my tenure at the VA with MOC. It’s since expanded to PCH and I simply love freely giving the gift I’ve been given.
What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? Delivering music for people in need is much different from performing for people who are dropping by an establishment during their evening. Knowing that I’m providing comfort through music for someone who’s ailing touches my soul unlike anything else I’ve experienced.
Has your life changed because of your experience with MOC? It’s certainly been enriched by the wonderful volunteers and fellow musicians I’ve come to know through MOC. And I love the staff at both the facilities I serve!
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? I recorded a MOC Favorite Moment video last year. It tells the tale of a man I met at a VA facility outside of Nashville during my first volunteer experience. It speaks more to that moment than I could possibly write about here. I still love that story!