What is Healing Rhythms For Veterans?

Healing Rhythms For Veterans (or HR4Vets) is an organization of dedicated volunteers with one mission in focus - to bring the healing power of music to military veterans, first responders and their families dealing with service-related mental wellness issues. We offer FREE music instruction, loaner and "loan to own" music instruments (for those that don't have their own) and companionship in a neutral, relaxing environment.

What is the Healing Rhythms For Veterans definition of the title "Veteran"?

Of course, when you think of the title "veteran", you may automatically assume this only applies to military personnel. Such is not the case with our program. Military and first responders/frontline medical all share the title "veteran" here. You have been on the frontlines; on a ship, in a tank, in a police car, in an ambulance - you ARE a veteran of your chosen service and are deserving of the title.

Do I qualify for membership?

Our main focus group consists of:

• Military Veterans - Regular and/or Reserve; All Branches
• First Responders - Fire, Police, and EMT/Medical
• Family members of the above mentioned groups that have been affected by their loved ones mental wellness issues.

Only those in the three main categories above are eligible for loaner or "loan to own" instruments. Those in these three categories are what we classify as "Qualifying Members". Though our student base is from within the afore mentioned criteria we offer opportunities for others to volunteer as staff instructors. You do not need to be a qualifying member to join our program as an instructor or mentor.

Are there any fees to join this music program?

This program is completely free for our members and staff. The only thing close to fees are a weekly snowball 50/50 draw that we use for minor operating costs. There is no obligation to participate in this 50/50 draw.

How do I become a member?

Simple. All you have to do is fill out our secure online member intake form HERE or click the button below. When you submit your information we will be in touch with you soon with any instructions or questions you may need addressed. After that, all you have to do is start attending Thursday night sessions.
We can't wait to meet you!

Click Here To Join

Do I have to be a Veteran or First Responder/Medical to volunteer for this program?

No, you do not need to be a veteran, first responder or medical personnel to become a volunteer for this program as an instructor or music mentor (i.e. song writer, etc.). We welcome anyone that would like to help with this worthy program by filling any of our staff roles that may arise.

I don't have my own instrument - can I still get involved?

If you are a qualifying member (see above) you will be issued a "loan-to-own" instrument (if you do not have your own), based on budgets and availability, with certain conditions.

What are "loan-to-own" instruments?

Loan to own instruments are a service we provide for members/students that do not own their own. There are only a few requirements for those with loan-to-own instruments are to follow:

• You cannot qualify to own your instrument until you have completed 10 weeks of instruction.
• To maintain your loaner status we would like for you to participate at least once every four meetings or otherwise, once per month.
• We ask that you please take all precautions to take care of your loaner instrument while it is in your care. If you are not sure, ask your instructor about any advice they can give you on the storage of your instrument. Members with loaner equipment are liable for repair or replacement of that instrument if it gets damaged while in their possession.

We currently have a good variety of right handed acoustic guitar kits to loan. Bodhran are purchased to loan as demand is generated. We are sorry, we have loaner accordions but due to their expensive nature accordions do not qualify for loan-to-own at this time. We hope that, in the future with proper funding, we can offer this instrument as loan-to-own as well.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have a loaner instrument, we ask that you attend at least one meeting/instruction/jam per month to maintain your loaner status. We have to be sure you are benefiting from your loaner instrument in conjunction with regular attendance. If you cannot attend meetings in this timeframe we kindly ask that you return your loaner instrument.

I want to donate an instrument or instruments/equipment. How and where can I do this?

Currently we are accepting donations of instruments and equipment with our primary focus being acoustic guitars (left and right handed), accordions, bodhrán, electric guitars and associated equipment, as well as assorted sound equipment (mics, amps, cords, etc). We have not determined a fixed dropoff point(s) yet so, for now, you can bring your gear to one of our Thursday night sessions. Alternately, if you live in the St. John's and surrounding area we can come to you to pick it up. To do this please contact Mike Hanlon at 1.709.771.1495 (NST) or email mike@healingrhythms4vets.com.
Thank you for your time, consideration and generosity. Your donation will go 100% toward the betterment and expansion of our music program.

If you would like to make a cash donation please click HERE to go to our donations page.

Do you have any other chapters besides the St. John's, NL Chapter?

We are currently operating exclusively in St. John's, NL with one chapter. We do plan to expand with other chapters spread throughout Newfoundland-Labrador in the future, however currently we have no plan for expansion beyond St. John's. However, if you are in Newfoundland-Labrador and would like more information about starting your own chapter contact Program Director, Mike Hanlon using any of the contact methods below.