Objective: to understand the perceptions of companions awaiting news from their loved ones who are undergoing surgery, about the use of music as a strategy to promote health in the hospital.Method: a descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study, based on the theoretical assumptions of Health Promotion, with the participation of 15 companions who were waiting for news from their loved ones in a waiting room in the hospital environment. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and the data were organized and analyzed according to content analysis.Results: the participants highlighted some possibilities to promote health in the hospital surgery waiting room, such as music, which provides distraction from the worrying reality, happiness, life, joy, hope, good feelings, cheer and tranquility.Final considerations: music stands out as a technology to promote health, arousing positive feelings during musical interventions in the hospital. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the discussion and use of music as a strategy to promote health in the hospital environment.