SFCPA Announces 6-Month Arts in Healing Residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

South Florida Center for Percussive Arts (SFCPA) is proud to announce the launch of a six-month Arts in Healing residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Beginning in February 2026, SFCPA will provide interactive, percussion-based wellness programming designed to support emotional health, creative expression, and connection for children, teens, and families receiving care.

As part of the hospital’s Arts in Healing initiative, SFCPA’s residency, The Rhythm Room – Beats for Wellness, brings accessible and engaging music experiences directly to patients and their families. Through hands-on drumming and percussion activities, participants explore rhythm as a tool for stress relief, emotional regulation, and social connection. This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in SFCPA’s mission to expand access to the arts and to use rhythm as a tool for connection, creativity, and healing.

The program incorporates lightweight, safe, and easily sanitized instruments such as hand drums, shakers, bells, and boomwhackers. Sessions include breath-to-beat warmups, instrument exploration, collaborative rhythm circles, and reflective cool-down activities that promote relaxation and emotional well-being. The workshops emphasize choice, play, and accessibility, ensuring that each participant can engage at their own comfort level and ability.

Each session meets children exactly where they are, offering opportunities to:

• Express emotions through sound and movement

• Build confidence through achievable musical moments

• Strengthen connections with family members and caregivers

• Experience relaxation and grounding through rhythm and breath

• Collaborate in shared musical experiences

Research and experience continue to show that creative expression can help reduce stress, elevate mood, and provide a positive outlet for processing complex emotions. Through this residency, SFCPA hopes to empower children and teens to become active participants in their healing journeys.

Outcomes of the program include:

• Increased patient engagement and participation

• Strengthened relationships between patients, families, and healthcare teams

• Improved emotional well-being and self-confidence

• Opportunities for creativity, imagination, and joy

The program also supports sensory engagement and accessibility for children with a wide range of medical, sensory, or mobility needs.

For over a decade, SFCPA has worked to increase access to music and arts education across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Through programs like RhythmFUN!, school residencies, community workshops, and performances, we believe that rhythm is a universal language that can bring people together across all backgrounds and experiences.

We are deeply grateful to the Arts in Healing team at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for welcoming SFCPA into this program and for recognizing the importance of creative expression as part of holistic care. Together, we look forward to bringing moments of connection, joy, and empowerment to children and families throughout the residency.