When I was 12 years old my mother wouldn’t let me to go to the junior high dances. She insisted that I wait until I was 13. Trust me, the months dragged on that year in seventh grade until my…
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Moms, Music and Hospice
Were you fortunate enough to have a wonderful mother? I was. My mom and I were best friends. We had voices that matched perfectly and she taught me to sing. She and my dad loved to dance. Sadly, she passed…
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"You May Already Be a Winner!" And Everyone's a Winner with this Simple Music Activity.
Back in 1953 Harold Mertz was trying to sell magazines.
He had salespeople going door to door. But it wasn’t very efficient. So Harold came up with the idea of mailing subscription offers to everyone. For the price of…
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Top Song Picks from the Singing Heart to Heart Community: Coast to Coast and Across the Sea
Jeanne from Vermont plays uke in a memory care residence. She suggested: Oh My Darling Clementine and the Battle Hymn of the Republic
Cathy is an activity coordinator from North Ayrshire, Scotland. She added: My Bonnie Lies Over the…
Are the old songs too old?
I recently heard from Kim in Nova Scotia, who wrote:
“I find with times changing and our residents coming to us from a different generation, the songs like “Working on the Railroad” and “Bicycle Built for Two” are not…
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Chart Toppers: Ten Songs Guaranteed to Get People Singing
I am often asked “What are the best songs for a sing along?”
That’s not as easy to answer as it may seem. There are personal preferences to consider, the mood in the room, and the energy level of…
"Are you a guitar player?" "No, I'm a cow milker." How knowing just a little can help you a lot!
As I played the first song for the folks in the adult day program I noticed a man in the front row whose hands were moving in time to the music. He looked like he was strumming an air guitar.
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Creating moments of joy with music. Here's what it looks like.
Has anyone ever told you to “live in the moment?” Or “Be present.”
Living in the moment takes on a whole new meaning for someone who is living with dementia.
Here’s how Jolene Brackey describes it in her…
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Tap into Rhythm, Tap into Success: A Foolproof Music Session Plan
Hello music friends!
TAP, TAP, TAP
With a friendly smile on my face, I tap two rhythm sticks together.
“Today we’re going to play the drums - without the drum.”
Circling the room, I gently slide a wooden…
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Love Songs and Tears
Happy Valentines Day!
It’s the week for love songs! Often these songs are highly emotional and linked to some of our deepest memories. For that reason, I encourage you to be ready to listen. You will no doubt hear some…