Bringing Music to Medicine: A New Jukebox Lights Up Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital

Rhythms and beats play through the halls of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital as a new jukebox was donated by Angelina’s Song. The latest installation in the Lauren Telesz Smilow Teen Center marks a meaningful collaboration between hospital staff, their local amusement operator Superior Amusements, and longtime Angelina’s Song partners, TouchTunes and Wireless ATM.

For the Child Life and Arts and Healing team at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, the jukebox isn’t just about the music. It’s about transforming the space for children and their families.

“We were excited to learn we had the opportunity to add an Angelina’s Song jukebox,” said Robert Wing, Supervisor of the Child Life and Arts and Healing department. “Music helps normalize the hospital while creating a less stressful and a more relaxed environment which promotes socialization and connection.”

The impact will reach beyond aesthetics or entrainment, making the space feel less clinical and informal. In moments of uncertainty, this gift of music offers comfort, a distraction, and a sense of normalcy, even during the middle of a hospital stay.

“The addition of the jukebox helps our patients just be kids again, hanging out with others while enjoying listening to shared music. It helps increase connection in an environment where kids and teens may feel disconnected from their friends and families,” Wing said.

For Superior Amusements, the chance to join a mission focused on music and giving back was a seamless extension of their commitment to the community.

“We first heard about Angelina’s Song through our partnership with TouchTunes. As soon as we learned what it stood for—bringing comfort, joy, and music to children in hospitals, we knew we wanted to be a part of it,” said Rocco DiNapoli, Owner of Superior Amusements.

Music has always been central to Superior Amusements. The family-owned business, based in Milford, CT, has over two decades of experience as a TouchTunes partner. However, having the opportunity to collaborate with Angelina’s Song to support their local children’s hospital hit all the right notes for Superior.

“When we heard there was an opportunity to bring a jukebox to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, we didn’t think twice. We know how tough a hospital stay can be, especially for kids. If we can help bring a moment of joy or escape through music, we’re all in,” said Alphonse DiNapoli, Vice President of Superior Amusements.

Angelina’s Song partners with amusement operators across the country referred to as Jukebox Heroes, who assist with the delivery, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the jukeboxes. These heroes are essential partners for Angelina’s Song to continue sharing the power of music with hospitals nationwide.

“Giving back has always been a big part of who we are at Superior Amusements,” said Rocco. “We’re proud to support something that makes a real difference in children’s lives.”

“We believe in using our business for good. This was a chance to do just that in a way that aligns perfectly with the things we love—music and community,” added Alphonse.

The importance of this partnership isn’t lost on the hospital team, either. What may seem like a simple addition carries a much greater weight in a clinical environment. It’s a symbol of care beyond treatment, a way to uplift spirits and bring fun into a space that can often feel sterile or overwhelming. These moments of joy, created through community support and collaboration, are not only meaningful but vital.

“Funding for these types of additions and services is often difficult to come by,” Wing said. “This partnership allows us to improve and normalize the hospital environment while, hopefully, helping our patients feel more comfortable and heal a little quicker.”

“Music brings people together, lifts spirits, and creates memories,” added Rocco. “To be part of a program that brings that kind of happiness to children in the hospital, when they need it most, is something we’ll always be proud of.”

Angelina’s Song is proud to partner with hospitals, amusement operators, TouchTunes, and Wireless ATM to ensure that wherever healing is needed, music is there, too.

“This is what Angelina’s Song is about,” said Nicole Miele, President of Angelina’s Song. “To know that a child facing something scary can sit back, choose a song, and just feel like a kid again… that’s the heartbeat of our mission.”