EAMA Students Perform at NIH, St. Jude, and Leading Hospitals Nationwide

Dr. Oster's 'Classical Music: Guardian of Health' initiative brings the healing power of piano performance to patients, visitors and healthcare workers.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:39am

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The European Academy of Music and Art (EAMA) in Silver Spring, Maryland has established the 'Classical Music: Guardian of Health' initiative, where young pianists from the school perform at leading medical institutions nationwide. The program aims to bring the therapeutic benefits of live classical music directly to patients, families, and healthcare workers. Dr. Bella Eugenia Oster, the Principal and Professor of Piano Performance at EAMA, says that classical music activates the brain's healing mechanisms in ways that complement medical treatment, and the student performers bring that power to those who need it most.

Why it matters

Medical research has shown that music therapy has a significant effect on stress-related outcomes in healthcare settings, and that classical piano music activates the brain's reward centers while reducing activity in the amygdala, the region associated with fear and stress. The EAMA program aims to leverage these benefits to support patients, families, and healthcare workers.

The details

Through the 'Classical Music: Guardian of Health' initiative, EAMA students have performed at a variety of leading medical institutions across the country, including the National Institutes of Health, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian, and many others. The students, who range in age from 10 to 16 and come from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., present works by composers like Beethoven, Bach, Rachmaninov, Chopin, and Liszt. The performances require months of preparation, during which the students develop not only musical proficiency but also the emotional maturity to share their education with patients and families facing difficult circumstances.

  • Throughout 2025, EAMA students have volunteered by performing at medical institutions nationwide.

The players

Dr. Bella Eugenia Oster

The Principal and Professor of Piano Performance at the European Academy of Music and Art, who established the 'Classical Music: Guardian of Health' initiative.

Sarina Li, Daya Wampler, Victoria Zhong, Ahana Rao, Brian Liu, and Jayden Zhou

EAMA students, ages 10 to 16, who are 2025 winners of the International Association for Musically Gifted Children's International Piano Contest and perform as part of the 'Classical Music: Guardian of Health' program.

European Academy of Music and Art (EAMA)

A music school located in Silver Spring, Maryland that provides comprehensive piano education for students ages 3-18 and has established the 'Classical Music: Guardian of Health' initiative.

International Association for Musically Gifted Children (IAMGC)

An organization that supports the intellectual and artistic growth of children through classical piano study and provides performance opportunities for young musicians worldwide.

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What’s next

Dr. Oster's 'Classical Music: Guardian of Health' program will continue annually, building on established partnerships while developing new relationships with healthcare institutions nationwide.

The takeaway

This initiative demonstrates how musical education, when approached properly, can develop citizens who understand their responsibility to serve others. The EAMA students are bringing the healing power of classical music to patients, families, and healthcare workers across the country, complementing medical treatment and providing much-needed respite and relaxation.