Hello again! For this post, I decided to explain my experience as a volunteer at a senior living home. As mentioned in the About Me page, I volunteer to play piano for seniors. I truly enjoy doing this for the seniors because it’s a different way to connect with them. Music doesn’t require talking to communicate or convey expressions, simply listening.
I had one experience in the senior living home a couple weeks back that I keep coming back to. I was playing piano for the assisted living area when a senior, Larry*, approached me. He sat next to me for the whole time I played, attentively listening. Once I finished, his eyes were glistening. After talking with him for a little, I learned that he also plays piano. He mentioned how he felt my music deep in his heart and repeatedly praised my playing ability and made me promise to never stop. This made me also tear up a little because I could tell that the music profoundly impacted Larry. I have to admit, I was a little surprised at Larry's words because I never truly realized how much music could connect with someone. After all, my piano playing is far from perfect or professional, but this experience has taught me that it doesn’t have to be because in the senior living home, people aren’t looking for a concert, but rather music that speaks to them in some way, which is different and personal for each person. This is even more evidence of music’s power to connect people with memories, emotions, and each other. Any level of music can stir up these qualities, and for me, this is so much more important than playing the perfect piece. *name has been changed
5 Comments
3/18/2020 03:10:48 am
It is good that you are sharing these happy moments with the senior community, I am sure Larry would love to play but his hands probably can't anymore, a sad but inevitable truth.
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3/18/2020 10:07:10 am
I love everything about this post. My Mom is in a memory care facility and they have weekly live shows. One of the things my parents enjoyed doing together before Mom got sick was attend live shows. They are total music fanatics. Having people like you come and play for them is the highlight of their week! Please take Larry's advice, and never stop playing, and playing for seniors!
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