Creative Aging Through Music
Program Descriptions
What is creative aging? Utilizing the arts and arts education programming to enrich the lives of adults aged 55 years and older. Studies have shown that actively engaging in creativity through the arts as we age, not only improves our sense of self, confidence, and fulfillment, but also reduces cognitive decline, keeps us mentally alert, and builds social connections between people and communities.
Engage and create!
Caregivers and family members alike can connect with their friends, neighbors and loved ones using creativity as a vehicle of expression and communication.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm
FREE ONLINE CELLO WORKSHOP FOR ADULT BEGINNERS
with
Kate Dillingham, cello
Learning how to play the cello is awesome! Want to learn from one of the best? Perennial Muse invites you to join acclaimed cellist and teaching artist Kate Dillingham for a free online cello workshop for adult beginners on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7pm!
This 1-hour online session is perfect for adults who are new to the cello (or picking it back up again) and want to learn from an experienced performer and educator. Kate will cover cello basics like posture, holding the instrument properly, bowing, fingering, and tips for effective practicing.
This free online workshop is presented on MyBlueSkiesMusic.com, our new educational platform. There are no apps to download or special equipment needed - all you need is a cello, an internet device/smartphone, and a readiness to learn!
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Workshops
Older adults and caregivers can participate in music workshops, demonstrations, and lectures. Online and in-person, there will be something for everyone!
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Group Lessons
In-person and online Adult Beginner group classes exclusively for adults 55 yrs + older. Classes meet weekly for 60-minute lessons. Convenient short- or longer-term sessions.
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Private Lessons
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of private instructions taught in-person (New York City area) available for 30-, 45-, or 60-minute lessons. Caregivers encouraged.
2024-2025
LUNCH MUSIC CAFÉ
Perennial Muse is pleased and excited to bring music to lunch! The Lunch Music Café afternoon music series presents live music performances during lunch hours at senior centers, rehabilitation & nursing centers, and assisted living facilities in Brooklyn, NY and the New York City area. Area musicians perform a variety of styles and themes each month from Classical, Jazz, Folk/Traditional, and Popular genres. A pleasant serenade for lunch goers and staff at midday. What’s on the menu for the day’s performance?
Lunch Music Cafe is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council.
Past Events
Lunch Music Cafe IV
“A Juneteenth Celebration”
Music from the Black Diaspora, old and new, classical and popular, and in celebration performed by
Juneteenth LP
Frederique Gnaman, violin
Daniel Constant, violin
Eric Cooper, cello
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
1pm- 2pm
Christopher Blenman Older Adult Club (Brooklyn, NY)
In-person
Past Events
Lunch Music Cafe III
“That’s Jazz Right”
An afternoon filled with the sound of smooth jazz performed by the
Laster-Banks-Cox Trio
Friday, June 9, 2023
12:15pm- 1:15pm
Park Slope Center for Successful Aging (Brooklyn, NY)
In-person
Video highlights from Lunch Music Cafe III @ Park Slope Center for Successful Aging in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.
Past Events
Lunch Music Cafe II
“Strings in Spring”
A pleasant mix of light classical and popular songs from the 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s rendered by strings
Perennial Muse String Quartet
Thursday, May 18, 2023
12:15pm- 1:15pm
Phoenix Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (Brooklyn, NY)
In-person
Past Events
Lunch Music Cafe I
“Songs from the Heart”
A lunchtime treat of English, Spanish, and French folk & popular songs performed by
Aidan Scrimgeour, piano
Monday, April 24, 2023
12:15pm- 1:15pm
New Carlton Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (Brooklyn, NY)
In-person
Workshop
Tuning the Body & Mind: Humming for Self-Care
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
11am - 11:45am
Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Citizens Center (Cambria Heights, NY)
In-person & live stream via Zoom
Tuning the Body & Mind: Humming for Self-Care
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
11am - 11:45am
Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Citizens Center (Cambria Heights, NY)
In-person and live stream via Zoom
Featured Classes & Lessons
Steel Tongue Drum Class for Older Adults
Adult Intro to Piano Class
Adult Beginner Group Violin Class
Adult Beginner Group Piano Class
The Steel Tongue Drum
This Steel Tongue Drum is an 11-note, easy to play, instrument that produces beautiful, calming sounds. This simple, acoustic instrument is a great introduction to rhythm and pitch. It’s portable, and rests comfortably in most places - on your lap, on a table, or your bed.
Click here for the full video.
Gallery
