For Covid-19 Commemoration: “Auld Lang Syne”
We often think of “Auld Lang Syne” as a song for New Year’s Eve. Traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight among cheers and clinking glasses, the song provides an opportunity to say goodbye to the old year with fondness. This song may also feel strangely appropriate in March 2021, one year after the Covid-19…
Read MoreMaking Grief and Memorial Playlists
Grief and mourning are two different experiences that accompany loss or change. While grief is a personal, internal experience, mourning involves the things we do to recognize a loss or express our grief. What is grief? Grief is the collection of thoughts and feelings we have internally when we experience loss. These feelings vary over…
Read MoreEasy Songwriting Activity: “Winter Wishlist”
Looking for something new and fun to do during these bleak winter months? Want a break from the heaviness all around us from the pandemic and political unrest? Trying out some songwriting can be a fun and creative way to discover your friends’ and family’s favorite winter activities while also acknowledging some of the things…
Read MoreYou’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…
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