Grace Fong, a professor and director of piano studies at Chapman University’s HallMusco Conservatory of Music and a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, has spent decades bringing live music to hospitals, libraries, cultural centers, schools and mental health programs in Orange and surrounding communities.
Inspired by a grandmother who learned firsthand what it meant to be cared for through the kindness of others, Fong began volunteering at hospitals as a child. Today she performs regularly at Rady Children’s Health, City of Hope, Kaiser Permanente Hospital and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center — bringing moments of comfort and connection to patients, families and staff . Rady Children’s Health in
Orange is also home to Seacrest Studios, where Fong brings her students to perform live, their music broadcast directly to patient rooms throughout the facility.
“There is so much power in live music, and Grace has an incredible ability to create meaningful connections through her performances,” said Luke Morand, Seacrest Studios Media Programs Coordinator at Rady Children’s Health. “Her performances bring moments of joy, comfort, and normalcy in what can often be a stressful environment.” For Fong, the work is personal.
“In a concert hall, people come to the music,” she said. “In community spaces, the music goes to them.
“Fong also brings Chapman students to volunteer their musical talents for patients
