Music Together Generations Classes
Music Together’s intergenerational music classes bring children and seniors together to experience something truly extraordinary. In these weekly classes, children and their parents visit their “Musical Grandfriends” at a local retirement home or senior center to experience an hour of playful music making!
Both kids and seniors experience amazing cognitive, physical, and emotional benefits from these classes. Children foster important relationships while strengthening their musical skills. Seniors get to share special memories and enjoy lively, energizing visits. Everyone gets to have fun swinging scarves, shaking maracas, and singing our music together! Read an article about our intergenerational classes.
Generations Testimonials
Program Partners Say:
"On Monday morning the residents start asking, 'What time are the little ones coming?' It means so much for us to have members of the greater community come visit and bring joy and laughter to the enthralled senior citizens. Our residents have given so much to their communities, and to see it come back full circle is incredible. Although many are dealing with the difficulties of aging, during class they become as carefree as the children."
—Jacqueline Johnston, Engage Life Director at West 86th (An Atria Residence), New York, NY
Music Together Parents Say:
"My children love music. We used to attend a regular class and then decided to change to something new and they appreciated the warmth of the intergenerational setting. They especially loved the free-dance segment where they had a chance to meet and greet the residents. I like the idea of including intergenerational groups because children bring such a spark of sunshine even on the gloomiest of days to those who may not have young ones in their lives on a regular basis."
—Angie, parent in intergenerational class
Music Together Center Directors Say:
"Everyone simply loves the class. A 96-year-old resident pointed out to a visiting mom and dad how much their younger child (who usually attends with his nanny) had developed during the months he had been attending. She also pointed out to me that two of the residents who were sitting on the couch were sleeping, and that I should... move them out of the way. She doesn't miss much!"
—Jean Young, Music Together Teacher, Larchmont NY