'Piano Man' spends lunch breaks performing for patients at University of Michigan Hospital

Errick Thomas plays piano for patients on weekdays

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Every weekday around 1:30 p.m., Errick Thomas, of Ypsilanti, becomes the "Piano Man" at the University of Michigan Hospital.

Thomas, who checks patients in at the hospital's Frankel Cardiovascular Center, spends his lunch breaks performing for patients.

Patients said that his playing helps bring their stress level down. The self-taught musician said the time spent playing helps him learn as he tries to entertain.

"Patients might come in feeling a certain way and when they tell you that you have changed their whole mindset on what they have to go through, it does a lot. I mean, who doesn't want that?" Thomas said.

Hear more about Thomas in the video above and download one of his songs below.

In the mood for a melody? Click on the play button above to hear Errick Thomas’ original composition, “Me.” To download the song, click here, then right click anywhere on the black background and select “save as.”


About the Authors:

Karen Drew is the anchor of Local 4 News First at 4, weekdays at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. She is also an award-winning investigative reporter.