4 Questions To Ask Before You Share Your Music

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Several weeks ago I asked my newsletter subscribers for suggestions as to topics they would like to see covered on my blog. One reader requested more information on how to provide meaningful music activities for residents.

Unfortunately, music is not one of my strong points. So I was thrilled when JoAnn Jordan accepted my invitation to write a guest post. JoAnn is a board-certified music therapist. For 15 years she served as an activity director. She then formed Music Sparks, a business that has provided contract music therapy services for over 15 years.

JoAnn encourages others to create their own programs through presentations and a book. You can find her resources and blog posts on the MusicSparks website.

4 Questions To Ask Before You Share Your Music

You’ve seen the press and videos touting the power of music. Cool! Research and anecdotal evidence are demonstrating benefits from involvement in music.

You happen to be a musician. Very nice! Music is a wonderful way to connect with others.

Having volunteers involved in a senior living community can make a tremendous impact. Your gift of music is a bonus.

But, hold up!

Before you share music in the local senior living community, there are four things you need to consider.

#1. What are you interested in doing?

Most people think of performing music for others. You are the performer; the seniors are the audience. Concerts are common, but they’re only one of many options.

Leading others in music is another favorite. Traditionally, this has meant sing-alongs. Drum circles, handbell choirs, and kitchen bands are a few of the many options.

You might even blend performing and leading. Maybe you share a few songs, then invite the audience to take part.

There are older adults who have always wanted to take lessons. Teaching piano, guitar, or the instrument of their choice could be where you are called.

Do you have tech skills? Your skills are needed. Put together personal listening lists or help to locate recordings by specific performers. These ideas are the tip of the iceberg.

Lead a discussion in and around music. Conversations about music can involve memories, history, and much more. Music, Memory, and Meaning by Hamons, Jenkins, and Befi-Hensel is one resource to guide you.

#2. Is what I want to share best for individuals, small groups, or the whole community? 

While large groups may be the norm for music, small groups (4-8 people), or an individual should also be considered. For some people, this makes it easier to hear, to see, or to process the music.

Let’s use the list above to look at the options.

Performing, leading others, and a blend of the two, are often large group activities. These also work well in smaller group settings.

Lessons work well with individuals. In limited situations, small groups would also be appropriate.

Depending on how the tech work is arranged, you may do this alone or with an individual.

Music discussion works best in small group and individual settings.

Hot tip: If this is your first time sharing music with older adults, ask to start with a small group. It’s a good way for you to develop your comfort and skill.

#3. What are the interests of the folks living there?

While most people enjoy a variety of music, there is not a single music style or period of music that “old folks” all love. You also need to know they may like some current popular music.

Before you contact the facility, be able to state the type of music you would like to share. Ask if this is something their residents would enjoy.

Have a few day and time options. Shift changes, meals, and regularly scheduled events will affect time frames for scheduling.

Be open to discussing the length of time you would like to share music. Fifteen minutes may be too short. In some situations, an hour may be too long. Ask if X minutes of sharing sound about right.

Hot tip: If you want your share to be memorable, avoid December. Facilities get inundated with requests during the holidays.

#4. Other considerations

There is a lot to consider when sharing music.  For example, the volume of sound, the size of the space, and the number of performers. Here are a few questions to assist you:

A.  Is there any special training or preparations you need before you share?

B.  What will the facility provide?

• If you need chairs without arms, ask if these are available. You may need to bring your own.
• Do you need a microphone and speaker to be heard?
• Will the staff be responsible for room set-up or will you?
• Do you need a keyboard/piano? Ask specifically about they have available.
• If it’s a traditional piano, when was it last tuned?
• Is the keyboard moveable for performance needs?

So, there you go!

There are so many nice ways to share your musical gifts. I hope you let these many considerations guide you to think more broadly about what you share.

Here’s to being a music volunteer who makes a positive difference in the lives of others.