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Seniors Reap The Benefits of Making Music

Making beautiful music is all about the timing, and retirement years can be the perfect time to learn to play an instrument. Seniors often find that their flexible schedules offer opportunities to take lessons, practice at home, or play in a group setting. 

“We’ve noticed a significant increase in seniors enrolling in lessons over the past few years,” said Virgil Lupu of Forte Music in Sylvania. “Many of our senior students are exploring music for the first time, while others are returning to an instrument they loved earlier in life. Retirement provides the perfect opportunity for people to pursue new hobbies, and music is a wonderful way to do that.”

Studies show that playing an instrument has many benefits, from improved fine and gross motor skills to brain health. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people and even contribute music to the community.

“Learning a new instrument offers a wealth of benefits for seniors, both cognitively and socially. On the cognitive side, playing music engages multiple areas of the brain, which can help improve memory, focus, and overall mental sharpness. It’s been shown to increase neural plasticity, which is important for maintaining brain health as we age,” Lupu said.

“Socially, music lessons provide a wonderful way to connect with others. Many of our seniors find joy in sharing their musical progress with family members or even joining local music groups. The act of learning an instrument also fosters a sense of achievement and purpose, boosting self-esteem and contributing to emotional well-being. Plus, it’s just plain fun-something we could all use more of, especially during retirement!”

A musical journey

Marcy Bollinger began her musical journey on a trip to Berea, Kentucky with her sisters. While out shopping, they stumbled upon a woodworker’s shop.

 “It was full of furniture pieces, and also featured a wall display of mountain dulcimers. The woodworker, Warren May, was playing one of the dulcimers. Smart guy. We went back to our hotel, slept on it, and the next day three of us went back and purchased our dulcimers.”

At the time, Bollinger did not think that it would be hard to find an instructor, but she soon learned otherwise. She tried a guitar instructor, but that did not translate well to her instrument. She tried ordering books and teaching herself, but that proved to be difficult.

“I remember calling my mother one day, and I played Jingle Bells on the phone. My poor mom couldn’t recognize the tune but didn’t want to hurt my feelings by saying so.”

Several years later, while driving to work, she saw a van that advertised “Dulcimers by Sharon.” She found the instructor, Sharon Broyles, through her website, and has been a student ever since.

“That was in February of 2020. We did Zoom lessons through the time of COVID. I have played with Sharon at a local coffee shop, at senior homes, and at the senior center in town. We’ve played at church dinners and most recently at a historical club meeting. We have a group playing music at a bank and during a holiday home tour.”

Bollinger, who has since retired, has found the musical experience as an adult to be very rewarding.

“Practice as an adult is much different from practice as a child. I practice nearly every day. It’s rewarding to overcome a problem piece,” she said.

“I purchased my second dulcimer about a year ago from Richard Ash in Indiana. It’s a beautiful instrument and adds pleasure to the pleasure of playing.”

Bollinger feels that playing an instrument is just one more tool to help her stay sharp in future years.

“My Dad died from complications of Alzheimer’s. It’s not why I started playing the mountain dulcimer, but I’m confident that it’s one more positive thing I can do to ease myself into aging.”

Finding the right instrument

“It’s never too late to start learning music,” Lupu said. “Many of our students initially worry that they’re too old to pick up a new instrument, but we quickly dispel that myth. Music lessons can be tailored to any skill level and physical ability, and our patient instructors know how to make the process enjoyable and rewarding.”

There are many popular options when it comes to choosing the right instrument.

“While seniors can learn any instrument, some are particularly well-suited for those starting later in life. The piano is a popular choice because it offers a wide range of musical expression., and you don’t need advanced physical dexterity to play at a beginner level. Ukulele and guitar are also great options. They’re versatile, portable, and relatively easy to learn basic chords. For those interested in wind instruments, the flute or clarinet can be good choices, as they require less physical strain than some of the larger brass instruments.”

The Toledo area is home to several groups where seniors can gather to play music together, such as Toledo Ukes. Also, many senior centers offer community band programs and small ensembles. Jam sessions are often held at local libraries.

“We’re always happy to help connect students with local music groups that align with their interests,” Lupu said. “We also offer a welcoming environment with professional facilities, comfortable waiting areas, and a strong sense of community. Our goal is to make every student feel at home and excited to learn, regardless of age or experience.”

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