Music and Brain Health

By Cynthia Friesen

I have taken some time this fall to reflect on what mobilizes my desire to express care through music. Beyond all else, it is the resilient people I encounter, seeking ways in which to care for themselves and those in their life needing support.  I have also found the roots for seeking connection through music in my formative years of music education. By the time I was nine years old, I was accompanying my mother on the piano as she led worship in church. A year later, I was adding texture to her deep alto voice with my vocal harmonies.  Sharing music was an act of service, a gift that I could offer. And this still speaks into how I lean on music as I seek ways to relate in my community.   

I have also been on a secondary journey of discovery, coming alongside others who do not play an instrument or sing with clarity, but for whom music can be an effective tool of kindness and care.  Thoughtfully considering how a song whose lyrics can speak into another’s struggles or joys and then sharing that piece, listening to it together, engaging rhythmically, connecting in the moment. Awakening memories with a piece that meant something to you in another life season. This is the essence of music care.  

We can all foster the curiosity to understand more about what is learned and experienced well beyond the notes. Music evokes deep emotions which we can open ourselves up to alongside another …a meaningful encounter awaits each of us in that place.  

This very pathway into deeper connection through music will be explored at the 2022 Music Care Conference, a hybrid event taking place both in person and virtually.  Featured in the flow of the day will be Mikey Jose, a PhD student in the movement disorders clinic at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.   

Examining how music can potentially improve brain health through a research lens is very important towards validating music as a clinical tool.  In Mikey’s presentation, the topic of apathy - a lack of motivation to do daily activities - will be explored and, in particular, how music may be used to combat apathy in participants with Parkinson’s Disease.  This presentation will discuss the early stages of this research and explain how participants and caregivers can get involved.  

Please join us for what promises to be an incredibly worthwhile day.  I look forward to seeing you there.  

*A link to the conference website, along with our registration discount code details, is available through our events page. Otherwise, you can go directly to www.musiccareconference.com * 

Musically yours,  

Cynthia Friesen (community music facilitator and instructor of our ‘Musical Movements’ classes)