Students in UA’s music therapy program recently performed for residents of Capstone Village luxury retirement community who have Alzheimer’s and dementia.
For the 12 freshmen in UA’s School of Music, the performance was for a grade as part of their degree. The music therapy program trains students to use music to bring about a positive change for clients, specifically to address cognitive, motor, social, emotional, communication and spiritual needs when appropriate.
“Going to Capstone Village gave the students a chance to see how the residents responded to music from their young adult years,” said Dr. Andrea Cevasco-Trotter, associate professor of music and director of the music therapy program.
“Particularly for the college student, the music they performed isn’t music they have heard before, or they know very little about it. These are songs from the 1900s to the 1950s. But for them to see the clients sing along to these songs, stand up, smile and tap their toes, even though they might not know their loved ones’ names or have expressed any emotion prior to the performance, is invaluable.”
Troy Cannaday, executive director of Capstone Village, said he’s happy that the 16 memory care residents had the opportunity to have a moment of joy.
“Music is one of those things that for our Alzheimer’s and dementia residents, is something they never forget,” he said. “They remember the tunes and it’s one of those things that tap into our memories and positive emotions.
“We tend to see music as a positive experience in our lives and we seek things out that comfort us. It’s also another intergenerational experience between young people and our seniors.”
During the performance the students all played guitar, a required instrument for them to learn as a part of the music therapy program. Cevasco-Trotter said nine of the 12 students had never touched a guitar prior to the program.
Next semester, the students will start pursuing their music therapy clinical work at Caring Days, a day program for adults with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders.
“Pursuing this degree allows our students the chance to see how music can change someone’s life,” Cevasco-Trotter said.