Airport volunteers bring live music to travelers

PORTLAND, Ore. (Aging Untold) — Portland International Airport is home to a volunteer music program that places live piano performances throughout its terminals, offering travelers a break from the noise and stress of air travel.

A program born from tragedy

The program began in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Airport officials brought in a single piano to help ease passengers back into flying, Paul Herman, a musician who volunteers his time to perform at the airport, said.

The program has since grown to include five pianos across Portland International Airport and a roster of about 30 volunteer musicians.

Volunteers play for a global audience

Herman said the response from travelers is consistent.

“People come up to us often and say, just with all the lines and all the hassle, you know all of that, just to hear the piano — it’s soothing and it’s so nice,” Herman said.

Herman said his preferred performance spot is beneath the airport’s timber roof, near live trees. He described the location as “a sanctuary.”

Families and frequent flyers respond

Herman said young families with children are among those who stop to listen.

“You’ll get a lot of families, especially young families with kids that are really kind of mesmerized by the music,” he said.

He also said the emotional weight carried by travelers makes the performances meaningful.

“Just think about all the people traveling. Each one has a story. And some of those stories are just heart-wrenching,” Herman said. “It’s so fulfilling, really beyond anything else that I’ve done.”

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