Village with Seniors: A unique approach to Intergenerational Programs

We've seen and heard stories like these countless times: the Alzheimer's patient who can play Claire de Lune on the piano without missing a note. The unresponsive patient whose face literally lights up at the sound of music. And the mother, who, for the first time all day gets a motherly pinch on her cheek, and a sing-song compliment: "you're so cute."

Moments like these happen every day in a "Village with Seniors" class -- a special Kindermusik class held in senior centers for babies and their mothers. The class brings generations together, and researchers are just beginning to understand both the short-term and long term benefits.

“It makes them feel like they have more of a role in society, and that they can contribute to the next generation," says Phyllis Heppner, Kindermusik Educator and owner of The Musik Shop, in a recent article in the LangleyTimes about the program in British Columbia. 

“We’re not just hiding them away somewhere, they have an impact on little, tiny babies. And they tend to really encourage the babies, so that’s very good for them. It gives them an opportunity for creativity, and self expression. They have an increased sense of self-worth and less depression, because of that. They make friendships, they have regular participation in an event that they love. So it makes their life a little more interesting.”

Studies show that intergenerational programs have a positive effect on both the young and aging populations. As healthcare specialists prepare for the rising tide of aging groups -- dubbed the silver wave -- the age group 85 and older is now the fastest growing population in the United States, according to Generations United.

"Research shows that ... Intergenerational programs help to dispel age-related myths and stereotypes. They can also address societal concerns such as literacy, environmental issues, health, crime prevention, and much more. Public policies can support intergenerational programs through the promotion of intergenerational civic engagement and encouragement of intergenerational solutions to community issues."

Want to learn more about bringing "Village with Seniors" to your community? We'd love to help you get started.

888.442.4453 x 1200  
336.544-0573 x1200  

Lesson number one: Get to the gig early

How does teaching Kindermusik help you be a better musician and performer?

Bryant Belin is a vocalist, coach, choir director, and educator. He also performs each Sunday at Congregation Church in Tryon, NC, and is preparing to perform a set of spiritual songs by American composers, November 18 at St. Methias Church in Asheville, NC.

With so many different music roles in his life, we recently asked Bryant how teaching Kindermusik has helped him become a better musician.

Basically, it has taught him to get to the gig early. Here’s why...

Bryant Belin
Vocalist, choir director, and Kindermusik Educator
vpmusicsutdios.com
Licensed Kindermusik Educator in 2010
BA in Music Performance in Coker College, Hartsville, SC
Music Instruction Studio in Hendersonville, NC
Teaches voice lessons and Kindermusik at the Tryon Fine Arts Center in Tryon, NC

The more I taught (music) the more it forced me to learn more about what I was doing.

It’s the same thing with Kindermusik.

In Kindermusik class (we just had our Kindermusik camps) and during Gathering Time in Adventures Zoo Train, I was sitting and watching the kids and everyone interact with each other.

I watch to see who is shy, who is outgoing; listen to what are they talking about, what happened before they got here, and what’s happening after they leave. Then I’ll know who needs what type of attention once class starts.

As a performer, it has helped me do the same thing as far as being more aware of the audience members, and what could be going on with them.

Especially if you meet people before the show, and learn a little about what’s going on with them.

Then during the performance, I can focus a little more attention their way. If I know they’re going through a hard time, it could be as simple as focusing on that person during a particular song. 

Now, I get to the performance early so I can see who is there, and what they might need.

Still thinking about teaching Kindermusik? Ask a mom.

So what do people really think about Kindermusik? We love finding parent resource sites, such as babycenter.com, where families are talking about their experience in a Kindermusik class.

On this recent thread, one mom asks if anyone has heard about taking music classes for their child. And here's what they had to say ...

Click I love Kindermusik! to read more on babycenter.com

Apparently, birds love Bluegrass, too

Click here to watch the video.
What a gentle soul. Halfway through the song at this Bluegrass show, a bird flies on stage, lands on the lead singer's guitar, and flies away at the end of the tune.

What will your music do today?

(Love Bluegrass and Folk music? Check out this list of songs we'll being singing together in Kindermusik at play.kindermusik.com)

Go outside and play: Backyard Tin Can Band

Start your own Tin Can Backyard Band from Growing A Jeweled Rose.

“Rosie painted the cans using washable tempera paint. That is what we had on hand, but outdoor acrylic paint would really be ideal. Once the paint was dry, I used outdoor Mod Podge over the paint to prevent it from coming off. So far, this has worked great!

Then, I strung the cans together using floral wire and pony beads. To do this, I nailed holes in the cans, strung the floral wire through the holes, and used a pony bead on the underside of the can to secure the floral wire.

I also added medal key chain loops I had left over from another project, to the inside pieces of floral wire so that when Rosie banged on the cans, the medal loops would hit the inner sides of the cans and make noise. I then hung the strings of tin cans to our deck using utility rope I purchased at The Dollar Tree. 

Rosie loves her Tin Can Backyard Band! Every time we are outside, she grabs one of the sticks from her mud pie kitchen, and delights in making music.”

Yes, we're tooting our own horn a bit this month. 


Carol Penney, Director of Education for Kindermusik International, is featured in a special USA Today magazine. USA Today “Guide to Kids’ Health” Summer 2012 issue features a special article, “Music & Learning in Perfect Harmony” by Mara Gorman.


“Music makes a great teaching tool. “Everyone knows their ABC’s because of the melody,” says Carol Penney, director of education for Kindermusik, a music education program. ”Traditional children’s songs are perfect learning devices for turning sounds into words and words into creative thoughts.”’


Here are some additional fun “Did you know?” moments from the article:

• Children who engage in musical activities from infancy end up with stronger literacy, language, and math skills. They also typically have higher SAT scores and are more likely to graduate from college.
• Studies show that early and consistent exposure to music improves children’s academic performance. The explanation lies in music’s ability to affect brain
  development.
• “Music education actually rewires the brain in the same area where you develop math, language, and spatial reasoning skills.” ~ Jill Todd, president, Music Intelligence Project
• The top instruments for young children are: 1) Voice. 2) Percussion and 3) Keyboard. Many kids start lessons at 7 or 8, so look into a music education program if you think your child is ready for daily practice.

Download the full article here.

Music will take her home

This is where music begins: at home. Around kitchen tables. And the effects - and the love - lasts for a lifetime.

Music will always take her home.