You’ve Got Options: Holiday Music in the Pandemic
We often think of the winter holidays as a lively, joyful, and exciting time in our families and communities. That’s what Hallmark shows us, right? Sometimes, though, the holidays can bring a combination of joy and stress from trying to coordinate and plan for all of the familial traditions. And in some years, we can’t…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Buon Natale”
Mood: Cheerful, Celebratory Themes: Holidays, Winter Tempo: Moderate Genre/Style: Holiday Nat King Cole is well known for his popular hits like “L-O-V-E” and “Unforgettable,” but his music has also become quite the holiday musical staple, with his holiday tunes reemerging on the Billboard charts year after year. It’s a helpful reminder that even though things…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “A Change Is Gonna Come”
Mood: Slow, pensive, hopeful Themes: Civil rights, song of change Tempo: Slow Genre/Style: Soul, R&B Sam Cooke is considered to be the King of Soul. The subjects of his songs range from light to serious, and he knew the power that music has to address difficult subjects and create a sense of unity within a community. Sam Cooke…
Read MoreTechnology You Can Use to Improve Older Adult Loved Ones’ Lives
Since older adults are at a high risk for contracting the coronavirus, it’s unwise to spend a lot of time around other people right now and increase the risk of catching COVID-19. At the same time, we want to stay connected to each other. Technology can help immensely, but some of our older loved ones may…
Read MoreFront porch vs. Stage [Video]
Have you ever wondered what the difference between a performer and a music therapist is? Why should you pick one over the other? Does it really matter? Check out the video below with Rachelle as she explains what a music therapist does in a senior living community and why you may want one. Music therapist…
Read MoreVideo: Songs for Labor Day
Can you believe it’s almost time for Labor Day? Labor Day is the first Monday of September. This holiday was originally created in 1882 to celebrate organized labor. It’s difficult to believe now, but efforts by organized labor have brought us the 40-hour work week, minimum age requirements for employment, overtime pay, safety regulations, and…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Duetto Buffo Di Due Gatti (Humorous Duet For Two Cats)”
Mood: Humorous, Light-Hearted Themes: Funny Songs, Songs about Animals Tempo: Slow Genre/Style: Classical We often associate western classical music with seriousness and exactness. Many composers capture the complex emotions that we experience and transform them into great works that stand the test of time. So, it may be easy to forget that composers have also…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Mood: Relaxed, Caring, Supportive Themes: Life Experience, Emotions, Companions and Friends Tempo: Relaxed Genre/Style: Folk Many songs feature grief and troubled times. Some songs explore how it feels to be alone, sad, and isolated. Other songs feature words of encouragement and themes of supporting others through what they are experiencing. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: Both Sides, Now
Mood: Relaxed, Reflective Themes: Life Experience, Opposites Tempo: Relaxed Genre/Style: Folk Rock In times of change, we may see things from a different perspective. Written by Joni Mitchell, “Both Sides, Now” follows the singer’s perspective from their young and impressionable years through their adult life. Through the journey of this song, their experience of clouds,…
Read More5 Fun Ways to Use Music During Quarantine
The effects of COVID-19 have forced the world to remain home for several weeks now, and many of us are running out of ideas on how to stay entertained, inspired, and connected. Of course, music can be one answer to any of those needs. Here are 5 ways you can put some music into your…
Read More