The connection between music-making and wellness goes back to ancient times. In 2004 a group of scientists led by neurologist Dr. Barry Bittman, set out to determine whether recreational music-making activities could lower stress levels and stress-induced conditions such as heart disease and cancer. The research team discovered that participating in such activities not only lowered participants` stress levels and helped them relax, they also built confidence and self-esteem.  Recreational music making programs have been particularly effective among older adults in settings such as nursing homes, adult day centers and senior centers. 

Clavinova Connection is local example of a recreational music making program that are seniors may choose to get involved in.

Clavinova Connection
If you`ve always wanted to play piano, but don`t have any musical experience, Clavinova Connection maybe for you!  Clavinova Connection is a nationally-recognized program that uses digital pianos and a special curriculum to help help people with no prior experience successfully play their favorite musical selections, while at the same time reducing loneliness and stress, and boosting creativity.  Participants do not need to have any musical experience or knowledge to participate. Clavinova Connection is the first recreational music-making program offered to seniors in Ohio, as well as the first nationally to be used by a Council on Aging.

Clavinova Connection is currently available at the following locations:

• Bailey Place and Eldermount Adult Day Program -- Contact Kathy Baker at (513) 347-5440
• Colerain Township Senior and Community Center -- Contact Kandi Marshall at (513) 741-8802

Learn more about Clavinova Connection:

• The Healing Power of Music: Clavinova Connection

• Yamaha: Clavinova Connection
• Yamaha: Playing a Musical Instrument Reverses Stress on The Genomic Level

Learn more about area Recreational Music Making Programs

Offers programs and performances that entertain, enrich, and engage older adults in senior centers, retirement communities, and adult day care centers.

My name is Anne Sanger, and I'm a retired teacher.

Back in 2018, I fell in love with bonsai, and wanted

to share it with others. I began offering workshops

to teach others bonsai basics as they created their

own boxwood bonsai . I did presentations for

public library branches, retirement communities,

garden clubs, and private parties. Once COVID

hit, there were few bookings.

I recently decided to relaunch my business with a

few changes. In addition to several bonsai

workshop options,  I am now offering introductory

pottery workshops, including bonsai pot creation. 

Workshops can be held in your venue or at

Crossroads Westside Church on Bridgetown Road

They provide a fun, relaxing, and creative activity

to enjoy with friends and family.

I hope you'll explore what I have to offer!

Offering workshops in the Greater Cincinnati Area

Please visit https://www.livingarttravelingworkshops.com if you are intersted in:

• Bonsai workshops
• Pottery workshops
• Items for sale

Programs:

Continuing Education: for People with and without Disabilities

Noncredit Educational Classes - Marjorie Book Continuing Education sponsors several noncredit postsecondary classes each year for students with and without disabilities. In the past, the group has held Introduction to German, Ceramics, Introduction to Tai Chi and Theories of Leadership classes. Classes are typically held on five consecutive Friday nights from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at various locations including Xavier University and University of Cincinnati. The instructor finds ways for all participants, regardless of ability level, to make meaningful contributions to the classes. Marjorie Book Continuing Education also sponsors a free two day educational trip to some area in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana or Michigan each summer.

Community Service: by People with and without Disabilities

Service Learning Projects - Marjorie Book Continuing Education performs several service projects throughout the year for other Greater Cincinnati non-profits. Service learning projects are mostly held on Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The group finds ways for all participants, regardless of ability level, to make meaningful contributions to the service project. Past service sites have included Gorman Farm and the Over-the-Rhine Community Housing Network. Marjorie Book Continuing Education also sponsors a free two day service trip to Northern Ohio each summer.

Theater: Drama for People with and without Disabilities

Theatrical Rehearsals and Productions - Marjorie Book Continuing Education produces three theatrical shows each year - the first performed in May, the second performed in July and the third in August. The third show each year is usually a musical. The group typically performs classic or contemporary theater productions by authors such as Shakespeare, Ibsen, Wilder, Shaw and a host of more contemporary authors. Past shows have included All in the Timing, Summer and Smoke, Rossum`s Universal Robots and Nothing but the Truth. Past musicals have included Godspell and Footloose. Presently, the group rehearses each show approximately a dozen times on selected evenings at Friendship Methodist Church in Wyoming and performs at the Cincinnati Museum Center in Queensgate. New actors, with and without disabilities and with and without acting experience are constantly needed.

The Memory Cafe at the Hamilton branch of the Lane Public Library is a cafe that features activities for those diagnosed with memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s & and dementia, it is open the first Thursday of every month from 5-6 pm (October and November) or 6-7 pm (Dec onward). The cafe is open to those affected by memory disorders and their caregivers. 

Activities consist of photo frame stamping (Participants will enjoy making their own custom photo frames) also offer musical bingo and DIY holiday cards.

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about Memory Café, please contact

Sammy Haven

S.haven@lanepl.org

Music Therapy is a well-established allied health professional similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy.  It consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive and/or social functioning.  Because music therapy is a powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible. Music therapy has been proven an effective intervention of older adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness, communication disorders, physical disabilities, chronic, illness, and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Some private insurance companies will reimburse the cost of music therapy treatment.

Music Therapy uses music experiences, both instrumental and vocal, passive and active, designed by the therapist to facilitate changes which are non-musical in nature.  Music Therapy intervention is based on individual assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing program evaluation.  The music therapist functions as part of the interdisciplinary team working to enable each individual to reach his or her highest potential.

Music Therapy Servicecs, LLC, is a private practice of board-certified music therapists serving the Greater Cincinnati community.  Individual and small group sessions are offered at our Anderson Township location.  Contract and consulting services are available for area agencies, including day programs and skilled care rehabilitation centers.  Individuals may also arrange for services at these agencies.