Music in the Foothills

The Cause

Music in the Foothills is a music therapy project aimed at reducing isolation and increasing happiness/involvement for seniors.

Driven by need and informed by the experiences of seniors in other music programs, Music in the Foothills will be a fun social time. It will be facilitated by credentialed music therapists who use music as a tool to increase social involvement and make life happier. This project will meet the objective of reducing social isolation and promoting social interaction in the following ways:

• Bringing a collaborative music program to lonely seniors, since volunteer musicians will also be involved,
• Providing opportunities for seniors to participate in music making, to experience the joy of being part of a group,
• Providing music that stimulates happy memories and story-telling,
• Introducing seniors to music-making through drumming circles, live entertainers, concerts, musical celebrations

The facilitators are credentialed, skilled, compassionate and creative. Therapists will recognize a) the uniqueness of each senior participant and respect their individual musical choices b) ranges and genres of music c) the importance of active listening and affirming communication skills and d) the healing power of laughter!

Goals Include:
1. Greater involvement of isolated seniors,
2. Increased social interaction between isolated seniors and others,
3. A sense of increased enjoyment in life.

Who Will it Benefit?

This project aims to help seniors cope with mental health issues, physical challenges, and dementia. The facilitators are credentialed, skilled, compassionate, and creative. Therapists will recognize a) the uniqueness of each senior participant and respect their individual musical choices b) ranges and genres of music c) the importance of active listening and affirming communication skills and d) the healing power of laughter!

Goals Include:
1. Greater involvement of isolated seniors,
2. Increased social interaction between isolated seniors and others,
3. A sense of increased enjoyment in life.