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Threshold Singers of Madison

The Threshold Singers of Madison sing healing and comforting songs for people who are seriously ill, dying or grieving. We sing at bedsides, in homes, hospitals, hospice centers, or care facilities, and at memorial programs.

Casper Sunn started the Threshold Singers of Madison on May 19, 2009, following the profound experience of singing at her mother's hospice bedside and witnessing the healing power of music for her mother, family and friends, other patients, the staff, and the singers themselves. Combining a lifelong love of music, interest in healing, experience as a social worker and composer, and a desire to share her gifts in service to others, Casper also used the training and inspiration of her mentors as the foundation for the Threshold Singers of Madison: the teachings of Hildegard of Bingen, Kay Gardner's Music as Medicine and "Women with Wings" singing circle, and the Deep Listening meditations of Pauline Oliveros.

The all-women Threshold Singers honor the ancient tradition of singing at the bedsides of people who are struggling: some with living, some with dying. The voice, as the original human instrument, is a true and gracious vehicle for compassion and comfort. The singers are provided an opportunity to share the sacred gifts of our voices at life's thresholds. When we are invited to a bedside, we visit in small groups. We invite families and caregivers to join us in song or to participate by listening. We choose songs to respond to musical taste, spiritual direction, and physical capacity. The songs may include rounds, chants, lullabies, hymns, spirituals, and choral music. The service is our gift; there is no charge. We gratefully accept donations for our ongoing expenses.