MUSIC MEMORIES AUSTIN
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Mission Statement
Music Memories Austin empowers those impacted by Alzheimer’s, cognitive impairment, other forms of dementia, and aging to engage in vibrant communities of support through shared singing, music, and storytelling.
About This Cause
Music Memories Austin, began in 2016 with the mission of bringing music to those in respite care, retirement, and Alzheimer's facilities. After observing the power of music to stimulate cognitive behavior, we recognized a need to musically engage those with Alzheimer's and their care partners. Supported by research from the Mayo Clinic, numerous neurologists, and the renowned neurologist, Oliver Sacks, M.D. in his book, "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and The Brain," we were inspired to create Love Notes Chorus. Modeling Love Notes Chorus after the successful Giving Voice Chorus of Minneapolis, MN, a leader in the world of choral engagement for those with Alzheimer's and their care partners, we began the journey of creating Austin's first Alzheimer's choir in September, 2019. Starting with 27 participants with the recommended ratio of 1/3 with Alzheimer's , 1/3 care partners, and 1/3 volunteers, Love Notes Chorus performed its first concert to a standing room only audience of 325 in November 2019. Despite the challenge of navigating Covid, the choir has continued to grow and now has 75 singers using the same recommended ratios. Neuroscience research has shown that singing in groups has demonstrable cognitive and social- emotional benefits, reducing isolation, depression, and anxiety for individuals with dementia and their care partners. There are currently approximately 400,000 Texans diagnosed and living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other forms of dementia, a leading cause of disability and poor health for seniors that limits their opportunities for inclusion and support. Their declining mental and physical abilities make it difficult to participate in mainstream arts and social programs, yet they benefit greatly from social connections and creative expression that are vital to living well. Love Notes Chorus (LNC), under the umbrella of Music Memories Austin, was formed to help provide a safe and structured place for people with AD and their care partners to gather together, build community, and connect through arts access and singing together. Prior to forming LNC, the co-founders brought music workshops to respite care programs, retirement communities, and Alzheimer’s residential facilities. They were inspired by the compelling research, while witnessing themselves, the powerful effects of music, specifically singing, for people who experience the many difficulties of living with AD. Seeing the benefits of music that is shared in a community setting; the co-founders were convinced of the efficacy of music as a means to support this growing population. Our year-round choral program reflects best practices from fields of Alzheimer’s, aging, and choral music education for older adults. Each 4-month spring and fall session culminates with a public concert providing a sense of purpose and achievement for our singers. Audience members have described the experience as “uplifting and courageous,” enhancing the vitality of our local community. The magic of LNC is most often seen during rehearsals. Once per week, our singers gather for 2 hour rehearsals and social time, learning and practicing a variety of songs in 3-and 4-part harmony. Participants sing four to six different songs each week, work on rhythm, syncopation, vocal technique, and intonation. Each session builds on skills learned in previous classes in a sequential manner that promotes repetition and recall. Rehearsals also serve as a time for social connection, joyful laughter, and learning. Time is set aside during each rehearsal for singers to share their “Music In Me” story in which they share their experience of what role music has played in their lives. These activities not only help to improve their confidence, memory, and mood, but also provide a sense of belonging and connecting. Chorus members with dementia sing with a care partner, creating a positive shared experience for both. Many participants say rehearsals are the “highlight of my week.” One care partner stated, “I’d quit my job before I’d quit Love Notes Chorus.” LNC’s artistic goals, quality, and purpose distinguish our chorus from less formal older-adult choruses and music therapy. When each 4-month session begins, there is a clear artistic goal: a public performance of musical works that include many musical genres. Our musical director carefully chooses and arranges songs appropriate for our members. Those with AD are assisted in the preparation and delivery of introductory speeches to songs that are meaningful to them at our performances. The public concerts provide a sense of purpose and achievement for our singers, giving them a feeling of giving back to the community. Concerts are also an important form of outreach and education, helping to increase awareness of AD in the larger community and shifting the narrative of Alzheimer’s from one of tragedy and loss to one of joy and purpose through singing together. Audience members have shared that our concerts offered them the opportunity “to see the creative capabilities of people with AD.” As we begin to prepare for our December 2nd concert, we will provide all participants with notebooks designed with both music and special copies of just lyrics which make it easier for those with dementia to read and understand. We also provide each participant with a practice CD and/or flash-drive to make it easier to learn music. There is no musical experience required to join our choir. Love Notes Chorus provides access to the arts for a population that is often overlooked and forgotten. We help singers with AD and their care partners increase their musical abilities and build stronger social connections through the arts. Singing in groups has been proven to help reduce isolation, depression, and anxiety for participants. This was critically important over the past years of COVID-related lockdowns, social distancing, and isolation. The need for positive, innovative programs like LNC’s will continue to be important as more Baby Boomers age and become at increased risk for AD. Thank you for helping us to keep our mission alive!