Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging

This presentation focuses on the therapeutic use of live, musical expression from moment to moment in service to those with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. The music therapist’s strategic choice of music elements that lead to positive, participant behaviors within any one session will be demonstrated, including behaviors that are readily observed, musically reinforced, personally felt, and strengthened over time. Functions of music therapy will be emphasized across several domains, including movement, cognition, communication, social interaction, and emotional support. Music-centered experiential activity will highlight the main points of this presentation, including attendee engagement with rhythm, melody, dynamics and form as a context for realizing positive change. This event is co-sponsored by the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging and the Music Therapy Program at Florida Gulf Coast University.