musicNOW

In partnership with The Alzhiemer’s Association, board-certified music therapists of Earthtones Northwest, and researchers at OHSU, the Oregon Symphony (OS) program musicNOW brings people living with memory loss into relationship with world-class symphony musicians.

When many people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are no longer able to come to the concert hall, musicNOW brings enriching musical experiences into memory care and assisted living residences as well as public venues. Since piloting this program in 2015 in partnership with Mary’s Woods Residential Care Center, musicNOW has presented at Rose Schnitzer Manor’s dementia care unit, the Harold Schnitzer Center for Living Greenhouse, and the Marie Smith Community Day Center.

Through musicNOW, OS musicians and trained music therapists produce interactive and engaging 60-minute sessions that give opportunities for self-expression, social interaction, and joy to those isolated due to the challenges of memory loss and dementia. People with memory loss and their caregivers share a meaningful cultural experience as they sing familiar songs, move to live music, conduct, and play tone chimes along with OS soloists. musicNOW has offered enriching experiences to hundreds of persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

To maximize the healing benefits of music and raise the level of social and emotional health of those living with memory loss, musicNOW works to continuously enhance program elements through feedback and consultation. musicNOW has thus far been supported by grant funds attained by each private residence or venue, and, by donations to the Oregon Symphony in support of this work.