Music is a powerful tool.  It’s an exciting way to be able to connect with residents and make their days brighter.  More than just a mood booster, music therapy can decrease feelings of stress, anxiety, and frustration, creating a sense of peace for residents.  Plus, using instruments can help residents express their creativity and give them back a sense of control in their lives.

Thanks to the generous support of donors to The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation, we’re proud to be able to offer music therapy to residents at Browning Masonic Community, Springfield Masonic Community, and Western Reserve Masonic Community.

Our music therapy program started small in 2023, focusing mainly on residents in our Pathways Memory Support Neighborhoods.  Even so, it’s impact has already been big.  During individual and group sessions, residents come out of their shells and are more connected.  You see them start to relax and smile as they become more engaged.

During one music therapy session, a resident began to play piano for the first time in 8 years.  Their spouse was there for the session and became overwhelmed with emotion at seeing their loved one play again.  In another session, a resident was having a tough day and went from feeling frustrated to smiling, laughing, and playing piano side by side with the music therapist.  These are just two of the countless examples of how music therapy is impacting the lives of residents every single day.

With the support of donors to The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation, our music therapy program is expanding so that even more residents can experience its life changing benefits.