The Arts and Older Adults

Kevin O’Neil

Music & Sound

I’ve found working with older adults to be particularly rewarding in a few ways. For one, they have substantial life-experiences on which to draw for finding their creative voice (especially in songwriting). They also tend to make appreciative and motivated students, because they have developed a sense of what’s important to them (e.g. music, creative expression, community). Also, thought they may still have busy careers, they generally don’t have small children, and so they seem to be able to devote a little more time and care to learning & honing their craft.

Sample workshop:

Songwriting workshop open to students of ALL levels: I’ve had complete beginners (i.e. never composed a song before) working alongside with seasoned professionals in a dynamic and supportive environment. If you’ve never written a song, we’ll get you started. If you’ve been around the block, we’ll help you hone your craft or break out of creative “ruts.” The workshop is style-agnostic—anything goes. Depending on each student’s proclivity or desire, we can focus on music and/or words. Ability to play (at a *very* basic level) an instrument is a plus, but not required. The only pre-requisite is an open mind!

Video:

Materials:

An instrument, if you have one (guitar, keyboard, computer with music software, etc.)

Available for:

In-person workshops, On-line workshops

Language(s) of facilitation:

English, French

Project type:

Older Adults and Intergenerational

Contact: