Chana Rudnick from Chattanooga, TN wrote:

Dear Rabbi,

I play folk instruments and have been thinking of trying to get a job playing for people. My main thought is to see if any hospitals could use me. When I visited my mother in the hospital and played for her, the nursing staff thought that would be something that many other patients might enjoy. I also thought it might go over well with children. Is it permissible to play music between Pesach and Shavuot if you are hired to do so?

Dear Chana Rudnick,

The period from Pesach until Shavuot is a somewhat sad period due to historical tragedies which occurred during this time. I asked your question to Rabbi Yisrael Pesach Feinhandler, shlita. He said yes, you may play music between Pesach and Shavuot under these circumstances because you are doing so for work, not for your own personal enjoyment. May you continue to bring joy and gladness to the hearts of many.