Music for Seniors

Winter 2014

musicandmorepa.com ~ facebook.com/MusicandMorePA

“Music tells us who we are.”

Music and Memories We all know the feeling: a golden oldie comes on the radio and suddenly we're transported back to a memorable high school dance, or to that perfect afternoon on the beach with friends. But what is it about music that can evoke such vivid memories? By mapping the brain activity of a group of subjects while they listened to music, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, now thinks he has the answer: the region of the brain where memories of our past are stored and retrieved also serves as a hub that links familiar music, memories and emotion.

The discovery may help to explain why music can elicit such strong responses from people with Alzheimer's disease, said the study's author, Petr Janata, associate professor of psychology at the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain. The "hub" is located in the medial prefrontal cortex region, one of the last areas of the brain to atrophy over the course of the disease. "What seems to happen is that a piece of familiar music serves as a soundtrack for a mental movie that starts playing in our head. It calls back memories of a particular person or place, and you might all of a sudden see that person's face in your mind's eye,"

Janata said. "Now we can see the association between those two things—the music and the memories." Janata's latest study, "The Neural Architecture of Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memories," was published in a recent issue of the journal Cerebral Cortex. Some of his earlier work also documented that music serves as a potent trigger for retrieving memories. "The Healing Power of Music" in the May 2009 issue of Caring Right at Home tells more about the therapeutic benefits of music. http://www.caringnews.com/pub.59/issue.1 403/article.5848/

Note from Fern: Here at Music & More, we believe that music is a powerful art form that reaches beyond all boundaries. This extends to the Senior community, and we are so excited and blessed to work with our Senior communities. We have had a wonderful 2014, and we look forward to sharing more music in 2015! With that in mind, Happy Holidays and enjoy the winter version of our newsletter! - Fern

Music for Seniors, Winter 2014 Updates from Music & More: (Right): The residents of Elm Terrace Gardens make fall crafts during November’s Making Music & More for Seniors. They also enjoyed the music of West Side Story compliments of the beautiful voice of Tricia Knopka. (Below): Residents at Elm Terrace Gardens enjoy a Music for Seniors workshop with Tricia Knopka and the music of Les Miserables.

Music Facts, Ideas & Quotes: Favorite Song Facts: Oh, Lady Be Good 1924 Music by George Gershwin Lyrics by Ira Gershwin Written as the title song from the musical, Lady be Good Lady be Good premiered on Broadway in 1924 “Fascinating Rhythm” is another well-known song from the musical

Music Activity Idea:

Music Association Music and memory have a powerful link. This activity explores senior memories by asking residents what songs allow them to recall. Choose a play list of standards and hits from the 1920’a-1960’s. Pass out paper and writing tools for residents, and ask them to write words or draw pictures that come up as residents listen to each song. Ask seniors to share with the group.

Music for Seniors, Winter 2014

Updates from Music & More:

Music & More Workshops We offer many great music and performing arts workshops for seniors, including: Music and Crafts Broadway Choir Music for Wellness Circle Dancing Wheelchair Dancing Musical Yoga Theater Theater – Improv Musical Fitness And more…

(Left): Music & More instructor Tricia Knopka performs at an Elm Terrace Gardens Music for Seniors workshop in September. Residents enjoyed the music of the Wizard of Oz.

(Below): Residents at Elm Terrace Gardens enjoy a Holiday concert by Music & More students this past November.

Visit our website or contact Fern for more information. We will gladly work with the individual needs of your community.

Musicians on the Move: Overview: Music & More offers performances for all occasions. Our teachers are also excellent musicians, and we are excited to offer quality performances for events of all kinds. We have already booked performances at Senior Centers and weddings and are excited to share the gift of music at more great events. Musicians on the Move performer, Eden Kainer, performs at a recital in June.

Musicians on the Move feature:

Tom Bethman Voice, Piano, Trombone Tom was born in Easton, PA and has been performing on stage since he was 3 years old. At last count, Tom has sung in 50 countries performing leads in musical theatre productions, as a tenor soloist in orchestral concerts and headlining on Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and most recently for Cunard cruise lines on the Queen Elizabeth 2, Queen Victoria 2 and the Queen Mary 2. Tom's other passion is teaching and he has taught voice to girls and boys, men and women of all ages and levels of performance for 25 years. Some of his students have gone on to work for Disney, Cirque du Soleil, recorded on independent record labels and performed on Broadway.

Contact us if you would like more information about Music & More’s workshops or excellent teachers and musicians. We are happy to work with the individual needs of your community. Email [email protected] or visit our website at www.musicandmorepa.com.