Play it Forward
Are tired of playing guitar alone on your couch, or singing to yourself in the shower?
There's a lot of people who would love to hear you sing or play.
They're the residents in memory care units in nursing homes.
Four years ago, my middle daughter and I started playing hour-long "gigs" in memory care units in honor of my late mother. Two surprising things happened.
1. We improved as musicians and especially as entertainers.
2. We realized that creating a connection with them was more important than musical perfection.
Over these years a number of closet musicians asked me how to do this:
• How to create a set-list and contact the nursing homes.
• What equipment to bring and what to say to residents.
• What to expect and how to make it a win-win experience for everyone.
Some have even asked if they can come along with us and "try it out" by singing or playing a couple songs.
1. We improved as musicians and especially as entertainers.
2. We realized that creating a connection with them was more important than musical perfection.
Over these years a number of closet musicians asked me how to do this:
• How to create a set-list and contact the nursing homes.
• What equipment to bring and what to say to residents.
• What to expect and how to make it a win-win experience for everyone.
Some have even asked if they can come along with us and "try it out" by singing or playing a couple songs.
Anyone who is curious about Rocking the Nursing Home is invited a free workshop on October 4 (Saturday 1:30-4:30). Any age, any instrument (or vocals), and ability. Anyone with a heart is more than welcome. Here's an Ithaca Times article about the upcoming workshop.
A couple of us who have done this will share our experiences, show our set-ups, and talk about tips that tricks that have worked for us.
Throughout the Fall and Winter, for anyone who is interested in getting their feet wet, I can schedule a nursing home show at a convenient time for you at one. You can then join me and play at an upcoming show so you can feel buzz of playing for such an appreciative audience. (Your gas mileage will be reimbursed, thanks to a grant from the New York Council for the Arts .)
The next workshop will be held at the Savage Club's Lansing Area Performance Hall (1004 Auburn Road) on Saturday October 4 from 1:30-4:30.
A couple of us who have done this will share our experiences, show our set-ups, and talk about tips that tricks that have worked for us.
Throughout the Fall and Winter, for anyone who is interested in getting their feet wet, I can schedule a nursing home show at a convenient time for you at one. You can then join me and play at an upcoming show so you can feel buzz of playing for such an appreciative audience. (Your gas mileage will be reimbursed, thanks to a grant from the New York Council for the Arts .)
The next workshop will be held at the Savage Club's Lansing Area Performance Hall (1004 Auburn Road) on Saturday October 4 from 1:30-4:30.
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Our hope is that you find it a rewarding win-win experience. We hope it helps you continue to sharpen your entertainment chops while you also play for people who wouldn't otherwise have you to look forward to.
Let us know if we can help you, help them.
If you have any questions, write Brian at [email protected].
Let us know if we can help you, help them.
If you have any questions, write Brian at [email protected].
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