MaryBeth Hughes radiates positivity, joy, and a deep passion for music. Every Tuesday, she brings this vibrant spirit to San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House, where she volunteers her time playing the piano and occasionally singing for families during lunch. She has been doing this for years—initially with a group, and now solo—only pausing during the Covid pandemic when visiting restrictions were in place.
MaryBeth’s musical repertoire spans a variety of genres and decades, but she intentionally keeps the tunes uplifting, often in major keys. “The music sets a special mood in the House, not only for the families, but for the staff and volunteers, as well,” she says. While requests are occasionally made, MaryBeth generally plays from a pre-planned setlist.
Families often recall the live piano music as a comforting highlight during their stay. The Tagles, whose newborn son Micah spent 138 days at Rady Children’s Hospital fighting a life-threatening condition, are among those who found solace in MaryBeth’s music. Despite the continuous stress of Micah’s hospitalization, the music offered the family moments of peace when they stayed at the House.
A Minnesota native, MaryBeth has called San Diego home for more than 30 years. She lives with three cats, all with jazz-related names: Miles, Parker, and Lady Day, and she enjoys gardening in her free time. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in Theatre and Music and a master’s in Dance. Though she once taught dance at community colleges, MaryBeth recently pursued a new path as a Board-Certified Music Therapist. In addition to her volunteer work at the Ronald McDonald House, she offers music therapy, performance, and movement lessons, both in person and online (mymusicalself.com). She often helps older friends and neighbors with hands-on caregiving or offers respite to their caregivers.
MaryBeth’s journey into music therapy began during her studies at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, followed by an internship at Rady Children’s Hospital. Her internship ignited a passion for hospice care, a field she hopes to pursue further. Through a connection at the hospital, MaryBeth discovered the Ronald McDonald House, and it was love at first sight.
MaryBeth is grateful for all the people who supported her from early childhood on to nurture her musical and dancing skills and to fulfill her lifelong dream of working in the field of performing arts. Later, there were those who encouraged her on her transformation from performing to healing arts. “I want to give back,” explains MaryBeth. And she does just that, day in and day out. Whether through her weekly volunteer work or her music therapy sessions, she spreads positivity and joy at the Ronald McDonald House and beyond.