The Undeniable Power of Music
“When words fail, music speaks.”
-Hans Christian Andersen
You may have heard this quote before, but have we ever truly stopped to consider the profound message it conveys? We are often overwhelmed by grief or tragedy, or feeling overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. These emotions can be difficult to communicate at times, but music can meet us there. Music provides words for our feelings and emotions, allowing us to communicate without words.
I have always been deeply connected with music. It is a way to turn my brain off in times of stress or anxiety. The notes bring me peace and help me to experience the world in different ways. I am sure we all have a different connection with music.
The residents of Noah Homes are no different. Music is found in many parts of their life. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they participate in Zumba and Line Dancing at the Community Center. While this is a way for them to exercise, move their bodies, and be with friends. It is also a way for them to enjoy the joyful nature of music in community with others.
Music can have many benefits to our lives, including improving our attention, memory, and language skills. Listening to it can reduce stress and support emotional expression. The rhythm, repetition, and engagement can make it a therapeutic mechanism and a tool for learning. It also strengthens peer awareness and social community as we can relate to others and share the joys of it together.
The Nordoff-Robbins Center, which has pioneered the development of music therapy in the UK for over 75 years states in an article by Down Syndrome News and Update, “Music is an intrinsic part of all of us: pulse and rhythm are found in our heartbeat, our breathing and our movement; melody is created in our laughing, crying, screaming or singing; the whole range of our emotions can be held within the rhythms and harmonies of different musical styles and idioms. These intimate connections with music can remain despite disability or illness and are not dependent on a musical training or background.”
When the music starts, Joey from Casa de Amor lights up.
Music connects us and allows us to share a part of ourselves with others and helps them experience an emotion. As many of you know, adults with Down syndrome have a higher risk of experiencing Alzheimer’s disease as they age. This is a reality for many of our residents who live here at Noah Homes. As the disease of Alzheimer’s worsens and impacts their life, they often become less verbal or interactive and feel less like themselves. Music can remind them of who they are and of the memories that accompany these songs.
One of our residents, Joey, has been living at Noah Homes since 1999 and has, in the past few years, moved into our Memory Care Homes. His sister, Maura, visits him regularly and oftentimes will sit down with him at the piano and play music for him. This always brings a smile to his face. Check out the video here.
Joey isn’t the only one around here who loves a good tune. I interviewed some of the residents to ask them who their favorite musical artists/genres are. Check out what they said below!
Roz enjoys all kinds of music (but not rap), including old and new school music, as she stated. Some artists that she really enjoys are the Jonas Brothers, Keith Urban, and Celine Dion (her all-time favorite).
Bridget loves to dance along to her favorite soundtrack: High School Musical!
Matt is a huge fan of rap and country music. He agrees with Roz and enjoys some Keith Urban from time to time.
Leah is a big music fan and can often be seen at the concerts of her favorite artists. She is a big Taylor Swift fan, but no one is as good as Dierks Bentley in her opinion!
Christina enjoys all sorts of country music, but specifically Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood. She is also a huge fan of Pink.
I hope this article provided a deeper insight into the impact of music or at least helped you think about it in a more profound way. Now it’s your turn! Ask those in your life who their favorite artist is and why.