My name is Joanne Does and my passion is using music as a tool to promote peace and happiness.

In 2001 my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.  What followed was a challenging but also rewarding journey as I searched for ways to help my mother cope with her new reality.  My passion for playing guitar and singing led me to discover the power and magic of live  music. 


Countless hours of playing for and singing with my mom, the clients of the Alzheimer’s Society, and residents of Woodingford Lodge in Woodstock has demonstrated to me the powerful effect music can have.   It is such an uplifting experience to see residents come alive to the sounds of songs and tunes from their past!

To enhance my skills as a musician, I was trained as a Music Practitioner in a program called Music For Healing and Transition,  www.mhtp.org , in Cleveland, Ohio. It was there that I learned how to make my music beneficial and soothing for the sick and dying.

Internship at Hospice of London, Ontario and the Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario in London prepared me for many situations including playing for oncology patients and the dying. 

Live music at the bedside is good medicine which has countless benefits including relaxation, reducing blood pressure and respiration rate, and providing emotional release and comfort to family members supporting the patient.  Many patients have drifted off into a much needed sleep while I have played at their bedside.

It brings me much pleasure to play music for others, and through my business, Healing Sounds, I provide music  for residents in long term health care facilities, hospitals, hospices and day programs.

**If you are on my website because you heard "A Changing Melody" and would like a copy please contact the Alzheimer's Society of Oxford in Woodstock 519-421-2466.  $5 per CD - all proceeds to the Society.

Contact:    Joanne Does      519-764-9505       jdoes764@gmail.com