BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – “When words fail,” William Shakespeare wrote centuries ago, “music speaks.” We’ve all seen that truth play out, time and time again, whether we realize it or not. Music soothes the savage beast, fortifies the shattered spirit, inspires the weary, the timid and the downtrodden. And, as most any caregiver will tell you, it promotes healing. Studies show that music can reduce stress, improve mood, increase energy levels, decrease pain intensity ratings and even help with cognitive function.  That’s why many hospitals have brought in staff musicians to entertain patients  – entertain, distract and soothe. Kesley Morrow plays piano in the lobby of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital – when she isn’t in patients’ rooms, strumming her ukulele, as part of the hospital’s arts and spirituality center – and the center’s acoustic remedies project. It’s an entirely donor-supported service, paid for through programs like the Children’s Miracle Network. “Music is so evocative and helps us in so many ways,” Morrow said, “and I think we all have (a favorite): ‘This is a song that I listen to to pep myself up,’ and that’s kinda what I'm here for, is to help create a healing atmosphere and help relax people.” Music has been shown to actually decrease pain. “There’s something about music,” Morrow said. “It’s cognitively really good for (our health) ... It just activates parts of our brain that other things cannot. It taps into something.” Dr. Bora Timkin, a Memorial Hospital physician, says music is especially helpful with children. “Being in a hospital is a very scary and frightening situation for a lot of kids,” he said. “You don't know what’s going on. Music is a universal language that kind of ties you back into a more comfortable state of mind.” Kelsey Morrow spent some time with Claudia Love and her son, a patient in the pediatric ward, singing one of her favorites, ”Somewhere over the Rainbow.” It clearly made an impact. “It’s really helpful,” Love said. “Especially in a difficult time. Especially for the children. Kinda distracts them from their health somewhat. So I think it’s a great thing. It’s a great thing. It’s more than great. It’s amazing.”