Music & Memory in Rolling Stone Magazine

Like myself, Elvis Costello first witnessed the power of music with his grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, as he discussed in an article by Kory Grow for Rolling Stone magazine…

“The experience of dementia and Alzheimer’s in my family has given me a chance to appreciate how the elusive and fragile mechanism of memory can be attended and even ministered through music,” Costello says.

His story parallels with my own story again, when he experienced the power of music a second time with his father, who developed Parkinson’s-related dementia…

“At times when little else penetrated his torments and distress, it was music rather than spoken word that reached him,” he continues. “On a few occasions, he emerged through an apparent fog to state the identity of a singer or gather a tune in a voice that was still surprisingly melodious and true at a time when his speech was reduced to a hoarse whisper. In the end, his passing was accompanied by a recording of his favorite song by his favorite trumpet player, Clifford Brown, an incredible piece of chance and mercy that would stretch credulity if written in a fiction.”

Music & Memory founder Dan Cohen appreciates the insights in Costello’s story.  He goes on to cite a Brown University study and share some of his experiences and hopes for the future of healing through music, acknowledging what I have experienced…

“Live music is better for the interactivity, for the spontaneity and being responsive to the audience, and recorded music is great for people in the middle of the night or on the weekend when no one is around,” he says. “Right now, every room has TV sets. That was never a problem. So why can’t every person have their own music?”

For me this article was self-affirming. I love finding articles and sharing other peoples’ stories of how music has affected their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Take a minute to read it and let me know what you think.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/elvis-costello-talks-personal-reasons-behind-new-alzheimers-psa-w465152

Music & Memory in Rolling Stone Magazine

 

Healing Throughout the Hospital: Brooklyn Methodist Hospital

On Wednesday, April 5 I met with Adele Tonge, the Program Manager of the Educational and Volunteer Resources at New York Presbyterian – Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. After completing an application to participate in their Sparks of Life Program, I was invited in for an interview to discuss volunteering for this wonderful program.

What is the Sparks of Life Program? In order to “fan the flames of healing,” volunteers share their talents with hospital units, whether it’s performing or sharing projects and stories. Volunteers can interact with patients on the pediatric, rehabilitation, geriatric and acute psychiatry, and oncology units. This program directly aligns with my platform, as well as The Foundation for Art and Healing’s Initiative: Healing Throughout the Hospital.

After speaking with Adele about my previous experience performing in nursing homes for over 14 years, as well as my passion for sharing music with those who need it most, I am excited to announce that I will be performing at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital on May 9th at 2 pm!

I will have the chance to go around to different hospital units as Miss Greater NYC and share songs and personal stories with patients. I couldn’t be more excited to be branching out into a hospital setting and aiding in the healing process. Stay tuned for a blog about my experience after the performance!

For more information or to get involved with Sparks of Life, visit http://www.nyp.org/brooklyn/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-programs/sparks-of-life-program

For more information on Healing Throughout the Hospital, visit http://artandhealing.org/initiatives/

Bringing Music Back in Their Lives

There is a lot of compelling information about the benefits of music for the elderly.  I have been a believer since 2001 when my grandmother came to live with us.  While there is a lot of research on this topic, I like to share personal experiences; my evidence that music is a beautiful thing that can awaken a part of the mind that’s been sleeping.  Too often that sleeping mind is left in solitude because it is thought to be unreachable, but it is not.  I’ve seen time and again how a familiar tune can awaken a sleeping mind and create a pathway to memories that appear to be lost.  How often have you yourself heard a song from your past that takes you right back to that moment in time?

My favorite part of the performances I do is witnessing this transformation: To see a once drooping head lift – if only for a moment – as a tune carries them to another time, or when I begin to hear a hum in the room as they begin to sing along.   It feels good to know that I can make a difference in someone’s life, and these are the things I would like you and your loved ones to experience.

These experiences of mine sparked an idea…the next time you visit your parents or grandparents play a few songs on your phone.  Search names like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, or my personal favorite George Gershwin.  Not only will the music fill the quiet air but if you watch you’ll see the ever-so-subtle change; a look in the eyes, a movement of the lips, or even a tap of the toes.  Making this a habit each time you visit will enrich the time you spend together.  And remember to be patient, and enjoy these moments because they were patient with you once upon a time.

If you find a way to bring music back into their life, you will bring life back into them.

**If you have an old iPod laying around load it with some of those songs, and please, if there is a nursing home in the New York area that you know isn’t yet utilizing the Music & Memory program – contact me, I’d love to talk with them about it!

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