Letter from the Founder

Ever since my first piano lesson at 14, I dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. But a year later, everything changed—my family immigrated from Vietnam to America, and survival became our focus. Language barriers and food stamps replaced sheet music and lessons. Still, I clung to my passion. I taught myself piano through YouTube and learned English by watching endless episodes of The Simpsons. I performed at every opportunity—high school talent shows, music competitions, college club events—refusing to let my circumstances define my future.

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After college, my two loves—medicine and music—finally intertwined. While working as an EMT, I saw firsthand how isolation impacted elderly patients, especially in assisted living facilities. Determined to help, I founded MediNotes, a program that brings live classical and jazz performances to nursing homes and memory care centers. Though I couldn’t yet heal with medicine, I found music could. I’ll never forget when my rendition of Moonlight Sonata moved a patient to tears—memories awakened, just for a moment.

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What started as one person operation has grown into a full organization with a board, dedicated members, and multiple ongoing projects. While I didn’t become a concert pianist in the traditional sense, I’ve redefined what that dream looks like for me. My concert hall is now a nursing home common room, and my audience—Alzheimer’s patients, veterans, grandparents—are the hearts I most want to reach.

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I invite you to join MediNotes, where your music—your interpretation, your expression—can bring joy, comfort, and connection to those who need it most. Together, we can make these quiet moments unforgettable.​

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                                                                           Warmly,

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