Dr. Adam Kendall Renewed His Passion for Medicine with Music – NBCNews.com

Dr. Adam Kendall playing the violin in front of a piano. In addition to his medical practice, Kendall performs music in public to help people heal. Lyd amd Mo Photography

Inspired by his trip, Kendall obtained a performers license and began regularly performing at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. His first performance was New Year's Day 2012, a little over a month after his wife died.

Today, the physician-musician performs every Friday night outside of his apartment complex at the Monrovia Street Fair in Monrovia, California dressed in a full tuxedo and performing everything from Scott Joplin to film scores to classical concertos. Before each performance, Kendall also introduces his friend's dog, Barney, who sits next to him on the piano bench as he plays.

I found that he listened to me just as attentively as some of my well-seasoned classical listeners, Kendall said. The beauty of his locked-in gaze on my instruments as I played music for him was I think more powerful than the music itself.

Kendall has met people from all walks of life through his street performances. Many have come up to him after his performances and have shared their most intimate stories.

Ive had a gentleman recently imprisoned share that he had just gotten out of prison that week and being able to walk as a free man in his free country and listen to free music was just a beautiful experience I thought that was brave of him to share that, Kendall said.

Any of the money Kendall receives while playing, he gives back to charity. Along with his street performances, Kendall plays at charity concerts to benefit local organizations, including

Kendall says theres a tremendous amount of healing that is occurring through the act of performing or listening to music and that, to him, is worth playing another note.

To be able to play the violin or piano for individuals that lack the capacity to speak openly and to have that life with you is an area of healing that we are just beginning to appreciate how to provide non-verbal healing, Kendall said. I feel like in that regards, there is some neurologic feeling that is occurring that we just cant put a number on or put a measurement on.

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Dr. Adam Kendall Renewed His Passion for Medicine with Music - NBCNews.com

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