Musicians

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resurrection33

resurrection33

Banned
#1
Dec 19, 2009
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In an effort to add something interesting to my life, I’ve begun putting on hour-long gospel music programs at old folks’ homes (which would include memory care and adult daycare). They seem to appreciate it – I imagine their lives can be uneventful.

There’s nothing to it – you just call the activities director and ask if you can come and perform. A piece of advice I received a number of years ago was to have a large enough repertoire so that you aren’t constantly doing the same songs. I’ve managed to construct a two-hour repertoire, but that was a fun chore.

So if there are any musicians out there looking for gigs, they are easy to find.
 
M

mar09

Senior Member
#2
Sep 17, 2014
4,927
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#2
I wish it was as easy to find those folks' homes here.. there arent many.
 
santuzza

santuzza

Senior Member
#3
Feb 12, 2013
1,609
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#3
All you got to do it hope the Activities Director actually calls you back. I can't tell you how many times I've called placed and left messages saying I want to sing only to hear crickets over and over again.
 
resurrection33

resurrection33

Banned
#4
Dec 19, 2009
27,513
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#4
santuzza said:
All you got to do it hope the Activities Director actually calls you back. I can't tell you how many times I've called placed and left messages saying I want to sing only to hear crickets over and over again.
Click to expand...
Yes, I have the same problem.
 
Joidevivre

Joidevivre

Senior Member
#6
Jul 15, 2014
3,838
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#6
I used to play piano at old folk's homes, and most of them are very tired or in-firmed and fell asleep easily.
That was a little disconcerting even though I chose the "oldies" they would know.

Or just maybe they closed their eyes to better listen :) ?

Or maybe I was just boring :( ?
 
resurrection33

resurrection33

Banned
#7
Dec 19, 2009
27,513
128
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#7
mar09 said:
I wish it was as easy to find those folks' homes here.. there arent many.
Click to expand...
Don't forget to include all categories - independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care (nursing homes), memory care, and adult daycare.
 
resurrection33

resurrection33

Banned
#8
Dec 19, 2009
27,513
128
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#8
Joidevivre said:
I used to play piano at old folk's homes, and most of them are very tired or in-firmed and fell asleep easily.
That was a little disconcerting even though I chose the "oldies" they would know.

Or just maybe they closed their eyes to better listen :) ?

Or maybe I was just boring :( ?
Click to expand...
Well, yes, the audiences can be rather interesting. Recently one resident rolled up in his wheelchair and knocked over my music.

Some will fall asleep. Some don't know where they are. But I think, generally speaking, they really enjoy it when you put on a program for them.
 
W

wwjd_kilden

Guest
#9
#9
resurrection33 said:
Well, yes, the audiences can be rather interesting. Recently one resident rolled up in his wheelchair and knocked over my music.

Some will fall asleep. Some don't know where they are. But I think, generally speaking, they really enjoy it when you put on a program for them.
Click to expand...
When I was studying to be a nurse (which I gave up), I had a really bad practice period.
...but I do have one wonderful memory:

Someone had put on some music, and I saw this old, crooked man tapping his feet,
so I took hold of his hands and gently pulled him up to a standing positing. We did a mini dance.
<3 You should have seen the light in his eyes
 
Desdichado

Desdichado

Senior Member
#10
Feb 9, 2014
8,768
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#10
My first job was working at a nursing home. I can tell you right now that is one of the greatest ways a musician can donate their time.

People in a nursing home tend to live comfortably, but there is not a whole lot of real joy there. Some have either lost their capacity to understand much of what is going on around them, lost in either confusion or delusion. Others who are more aware feel like an after-thought. They read, watch television, but they can't really go anywhere and something exciting rarely comes there way.

When a musician appears, the misfortune of both groups seems distant. The demented ones understand and enjoy timeless tunes. The alert and oriented ones take great pleasure in having someone outside the family take them away from their troubles for an hour or two.

Really, I didn't believe in the "power of music" until I saw it for myself at a nursing home. Real smiles creased faces that looked vacant or hopelessly bored most other days.
 
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laura_charlotte

laura_charlotte

Senior Member
#11
Dec 16, 2012
1,483
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#11
It's true, the elderly flock to musicians like there's no tomorrow. They LOVE the piano playing and it makes them so happy.
 
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