HELPING OTHERS FIND HARMONY THROUGH MUSIC

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Sophia Zheng. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

Sophia Zheng understands just how powerful an effect music has on the brain. A viola player since the age of five, Sophia is well aware of how music can boost moods and improve cognitive function. So when she saw an issue that needed to be addressed, she pulled directly from her musical background to make a difference.  

When Sophia’s grandparents moved into a home for seniors, she recognized that loneliness is an issue that many residents were facing. Determined to better their experience, Sophia decided to use her talents as a young musician to hold a concert for the residents. The initial concert was such a hit that Sophia decided to take her passion even further. Now 16 years old, Sophia is the founder and president of Harmony for Hearts, a student-led organization dedicated to organizing concerts at hospitals, nursing homes and homes for individuals with disabilities.  

Over 3,000 seniors, individuals with disabilities and patients in hospitals have had the opportunity to attend over 50 concerts hosted by Sophia and her fellow Harmony for Hearts volunteers, which now include over 80 other young musicians across six chapters. In addition to performing music, the Harmony for Hearts team has raised the funds to donate more than 350 pairs of earbuds to facilities, allowing residents the opportunity to enjoy the power of music when the Harmony for Hearts team isn’t there.

Sophia diligently spends nearly 25 hours per month making sure that Harmony for Hearts stays in operation, managing tasks that range from reaching out to centers and scheduling concerts to managing the organization’s social media presence. While Harmony for Hearts began as a single concert at Sophia’s grandparents’ senior center, it has blossomed into a tremendous example of how anyone can change the world for the better when they set their mind to it.   

What inspires you to volunteer? 

I’ve always done volunteer work, whether it’s tutoring children in math or teaching kids how to play the viola. I saw how these small acts can bring comfort to people, and I always feel as if it’s really meaningful to use my skills to help people by doing something that I love. It gives me purpose. It connects me with my community, and it reminds me that even simple efforts can make a really big difference. 

Tell us about your volunteer role with Harmony for Hearts. 

I’m the founder and president of Harmony for Hearts, and I organize performances, coordinate logistics and recruit and mentor volunteers, whether it’s through calling the centers or texting my friends to ask if they’re available for a concert. I also lead a team of over 80 musicians across six chapters. I look over these chapters and coordinate with them. I maintain an active social media presence. So far, we’ve organized over 50 concerts and reached over 3,500 individuals.  

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?  

I started Harmony for Hearts in my freshman year. I’ve always played music. But when my grandparents moved into a senior home, I saw how lonely some of the seniors were, and I decided to create a concert for them. I gathered all my friends from the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and we all came together and performed the concert. It was incredibly well received. Everyone loved it so much that I decided to continue organizing them. Since then, it’s been so amazing. 

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization? 

I’d love to keep growing Harmony for Hearts and bring it to more communities. I’m always working on ways to help other students start their own chapters. I also want to explore partnerships with healthcare providers to integrate music more directly into patient care. I feel like there’s just so much more potential to reach more people. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

I think the most rewarding part is seeing how music can touch people in unexpected ways, whether it’s through a smile, a tear or a moment of recognition. It reminds me why we do this: to make people feel less alone. I also love seeing how meaningful the experiences are for our volunteers. Performing at these venues gives them a real sense of purpose because they get to use their talents to better someone’s day. It’s fulfilling for all of us.   

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer? 

I learned that you don’t need to have everything figured out to make a difference. You just need to care and be willing to take that first step. My advice is to start with something you’re passionate about, even though it’s even if it’s something small. You’d be surprised how far it can go and how many people you can reach along the way. 

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about? 

I think volunteering helps us see the world beyond ourselves. It builds skills like empathy and reminds us that everyone has something to offer. I think that when you take the time to help others, it brings people together and shows that no matter how old you are or where you come from, you can make a difference. 

What do you want people to learn from your story? 

I want people to know that you don’t have to wait until you’re older or have everything figured out to make a difference. Harmony for Hearts started with just one small concert at my grandparents’ senior home, and it turned into this huge community. It also became a space where other young musicians can use their talents to give back, which has been amazing to see. You just never know what can happen when you care deeply and take action. Sometimes it leads to something amazing. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Sophia? Find local volunteer opportunities.