Heartbeat Sessions

Heartbeat Sessions connect a patient’s music experience with Arts For Life in their hospital out into our larger community. Each pediatric patient who participates can choose or write a song to be set to the rhythm of their heartbeat, which is recorded with a digital stethoscope. Professional musicians then record this song at the world-renowned Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville, NC, resulting in an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Each Heartbeat Session is a one-of-a-kind musical memento; a living legacy inspired by the steady rhythm of a heartbeat.

Heartbeat Sessions not only result in a personalized track but also provide unique applications and extensions for the music education that participants receive from Arts For Life. Heartbeat Young Musicians who choose to have a cover of a favorite song recorded learn and can make choices about arrangement and instrumentation—all the ways producers sculpt the sound to create the effects they want to hear. Those who write an original song also learn about the many facets of songwriting including the anatomy of songs, melody, and chord progressions. For the Heartbeat Young Musicians who are able to join us at the recording studio, there is also the opportunity to observe and even participate in a professional recording session.

A program within our Asheville Chapter, serving patients and families at Mission Children’s Hospital, Heartbeat Sessions are spearheaded by Arts For Life Music Teacher and professional musician Melissa Hyman. When Melissa’s not visiting children’s hospital rooms to share her love of music, she’s touring the world with her bands, The Moon and You and Cowboy Judy.

The Sessions


		[{"id":930,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-solomon\/","name":"for-solomon","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Solomon-Featured-Image.jpg","alt":""},"title":"For Solomon","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 22, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-22 21:38:55","modifiedDate":"2024-08-26 20:43:17","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-08-26 20:43:17","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":44},"status":"publish","excerpt":"When asked to be the featured young musician for our revival Heartbeats Session in Summer 2022, he knew immediately that his Heartbeat Session song would be Tracy Chapman\u2019s \u201cTalkin\u2019 Bout a Revolution,\u201d or, as he calls it \u201cThe Run, Run, Run Song\u201d by Chase Me Trapman."},{"id":924,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-jesse\/","name":"for-jesse","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/for-jesse.jpg","alt":"Jesse Heartbeat Session"},"title":"For Jesse","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 22, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-22 21:18:26","modifiedDate":"2024-06-18 14:52:37","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-06-18 14:52:37","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":45},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Originally written and performed by Leonard Cohen, \u201cHallelujah\u201d is a song Jesse grew up listening to with his mom and dad. Through his medical journey, its significance as a \"family anthem\" has only grown."},{"id":875,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-alex\/","name":"for-alex","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/for-alex.png","alt":""},"title":"For Alex","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 22, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-22 20:15:12","modifiedDate":"2024-06-04 15:11:08","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-06-04 15:11:08","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":41},"status":"publish","excerpt":"This wild mashup of Wanted: Dead or Alive and Tank! by The Seatbelts perfectly represents the Alex's intriguing and open-minded approach to life. Thanks to her vision as a producer, this is one of our most creative and exciting tracks to date."},{"id":754,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-daniel\/","name":"for-daniel","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/for-daniel-featured-image.png","alt":"Daniel Heartbeat Session"},"title":"For Daniel","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 22, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-22 02:26:15","modifiedDate":"2024-06-18 15:01:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-06-18 15:01:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":42},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Knowing that Brother wouldn't be able to visit the studio during recording, his mom Katrina made sure that there were photos of Brother throughout the studio, infusing the recording not just with his heartbeat, but with his bright spirit."},{"id":750,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-brooklyn\/","name":"for-brooklyn","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Brooklyn-Featured-Image-by-Eakin-Howard.jpg","alt":""},"title":"By Brooklyn","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 22, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-22 02:17:07","modifiedDate":"2024-06-04 15:16:59","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-06-04 15:16:59","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":48},"status":"publish","excerpt":"In addition to adding her heartbeat rhythm, brave and talented Brooklyn sings the lead vocals on this very special original track."},{"id":736,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-evarado\/","name":"for-evarado","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/by-everado.png","alt":""},"title":"For Evarado","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 22, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-22 02:05:15","modifiedDate":"2024-06-04 15:12:50","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-06-04 15:12:50","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":51},"status":"publish","excerpt":"With coaching and mentorship from some of the best in the business, including Grammy-winning emcee Secret Agent 23 Skiddoo, local legends Evil Note Lab,and emcee Foul Mouth Jerk, Everardo's original track is a living legacy of his creative vision."},{"id":730,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-colby\/","name":"for-colby","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Colby-Featured-Image.png","alt":""},"title":"For Colby","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 22, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-22 01:44:01","modifiedDate":"2024-06-04 15:13:26","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-06-04 15:13:26","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":39},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Colby didn't want any sappy songs out there under his name. He came around though, once he realized this George Thorogood tough-guy anthem could be his Heartbeat song."},{"id":726,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-courtney\/","name":"for-courtney","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Courtney-Featured-Image.png","alt":""},"title":"For Courtney","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 22, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-22 01:29:01","modifiedDate":"2024-06-04 15:13:54","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-06-04 15:13:54","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":48},"status":"publish","excerpt":"A huge fan of the Spice Girls, Courtney chose their 90's hit song Wannabe for her Heartbeat song. But she had one small request: she wanted it recorded in the style of Irish musical ensemble Celtic Woman."},{"id":531,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-brian\/","name":"for-brian","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/for-brian.png","alt":""},"title":"For Brian","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 21, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-21 03:06:20","modifiedDate":"2024-06-04 15:14:26","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-06-04 15:14:26","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":33},"status":"publish","excerpt":"For his Heartbeat song, Brian chose the classic Bee Gees hit Stayin' Alive for its powerfully funky groove, and because it reminded him of what he was fighting for."},{"id":525,"link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/heartbeat-sessions\/for-holmes\/","name":"for-holmes","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Holmes-Featured-Image.png","alt":""},"title":"For Holmes","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Stefen Howard","link":"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/author\/showard\/"},"date":"Dec 21, 2023","dateGMT":"2023-12-21 02:56:23","modifiedDate":"2024-06-04 15:18:47","modifiedDateGMT":"2024-06-04 15:18:47","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/category\/heartbeat-sessions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Heartbeat Sessions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"","post_folder":"<a href='https:\/\/artsforlifenc.org\/?taxonomy=post_folder&term=heartbeats-sessions-1717011157-2' rel='post_folder'>heartbeats sessions<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":0},"status":"publish","excerpt":"It is no wonder that a kid like Holmes would choose a song like Michael Franti\u2019s Hey Hey Hey, an anthem of positivity and resilience, for his Heartbeat Sessions song."}]