Park Place

As a therapeutic musician I strongly recommend various genres of music. Music of the residents youth, hymns(if religious), holiday, patriotic, various styles, tempos. It doesn't all have to be slow and quiet. Perhaps easy songs to sing a long with resident while lightly tapping the rhythm on their hand or bed. Other options, have a live Therapeutic musician play bedside or keep a collection of favorite CD's in the room for visitors to choose various styles. Music is very powerful and is a way to reach deeply being a wonderful comfort.

First of all, I love all the information and insightful activities presented! I work with Valerie and am a professional musician, who uses music, therapy and movement to encourage residents to move , sing and participate with music. I have taught, performed music for nearly 30 years and have a comment to the Covid music idea recently sent . In regards to instruments, I don't believe it is a good idea to allow loved ones to play instruments . Instruments are held closely, blown into and handled. This is perhaps not a good safety measure, and I wouldn't recommend it. I understand the idea and concept, and I play often for the residents, but I wouldn't feel comfortable allowing them to try instruments at this time. The only things are perhaps rhythm sticks or plastic egg shakers, and to clean them thoroughly after each use. Just a thought. Thanks again for all you do to help us make the lives of seniors productive and fun.
Lisa T. Life Enrichment

Definitely aids in engagement and fun!

I'm Lisa and I am Susans assistant, I also like to use egg shakers in various rhythmic patterns, tapping together and having them put their hands up, and tap their neighbors eggs, but tell them to only look one direction, as going back and forth is confusing. Also the Dalcroix method is one to foster musical appreciation while using the body as the main instrument, and slowly incorporating the rhythm instruments one at a time, then all together, then removing certain ones so the timbre and color changes ,much like an orchestra, letting them try to conduct ,with me or on their own, having fun creating new sounds.