Hear the Music

Hear the Music is a passionate view of serious mental illness - specifically schizophrenia - from a loved one's viewpoint. Hear the Music collects decades of personal journal entries and thoughts from Jennifer Ayers-Moore about the journey to her brother's diagnosis and beyond. Moore's brother, a Juilliard-trained, classical double-bassist, whose story was made into a New York Times best selling book and a Hollywood movie, is the driving force behind her advocacy for the mental health community. The book and movie about her brother (Nathaniel Ayers, a.k.a. The Soloist) lit a wide-spread fire of support for the mental health community which has, sadly, dwindled a decade later. Jennifer's wish is to, once again, fan the flames of sorely needed support for those suffering from mental health conditions and their loved ones. "Hear the Music" is a metaphor Jennifer created to remind her how to stay connected to her brother. It means more than hearing the sounds musical instruments produce, rather it is Jennifer's way of saying "listen to the music of life," which is something she learned to do from her brother, Nathaniel. She implores her readers to hear the music of others through genuine listening, resolute respect, and being open-minded about the differences we all have. Hear the Music is more than simply a collection of stories, though; it is a CALL TO ACTION. It is a call to rise up with her and support a special group of people among us who could thrive if only more people were willing to hear their music.