Nursing home volunteering- good piano songs?

Question

I recently called a local nursing home, I'm intending to volunteer there soon. While I'd like to spend some time chatting with them, I mostly want to put my piano skills to use. I mostly just know classical music, though. Should I still play this stuff, or will I just bore them? Should I really just try to stick to 40s-50s music?

Where could I find a good list of older popular songs they'd like? Or esp., does anyone also know a nice compilation of fairly easy music, stuff I could learn quickly?

And finally (last question!, I promise), how would older people feel about piano lessons? I've heard of older people taking up painting or something similar in their 70's, so I wondered whether some of them would appreciate learning piano if it were free and I kept it fairly fun. But is it too late for lessons, or would most of them feel that it's too late? I wouldn't want to frustrate or annoy them.

Any advice from someone with experience would be helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

I've worked in a Nursing home for 8 years now and I can tell you that they will love that you come to spend time to talk and play for them! I think its best is while I could name a lot is to go there and play your music ask them what they like what songs have special meaning you can make a list and find the sheet music on-line and learn for next time!

Answer 2

Yes, what James O said. They will love to learn a few simple songs on piano.  I would try to play them songs from their era. When you play the first time, ask if they have any they'd like to hear, write them down for next time.

Answer 3

I'm glad to hear you are going to volunteer.  Tastes in music vary - the residents in the nursing home where I work like country music and gospel.  Johnny Cash is very popular.    

I think you should just play it by ear - talk to the staff and the residents and see what they like.  I would start with the classical music since that is what you are most comfortable with.  See if they enjoy it and let them know that you are open to playing other types of music.

I would talk to the nursing home staff - the activites director, the social services director, etc.  about who might enjoy piano lessons.  Nursing home residents come in all types.  Some may have their complete mental facilities, others may be only slightly cognitively impaired, and then some may not be able to retain any information.   Be aware that dementia can cause some residents to have inappropriate behavior.  Let the staff guide you in finding a resident(s) receptive to learning to play.  I have heard that creative abilties actually increase in our elder years - so learning to play the piano might be ideal.

Remember to call ahead as another activity may be occuring at the same time plus it does take awhile for the staff to help all the residents that want to come listen get to where you will be playing.

Answer 4

HONESTLY, FROM WORKING IN THEM IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE, TO LIVING IN THEM FOR 10 YEARS, THE GOOD OLE' GOSPEL SONGS SEEM TO SPARK THE MOST RESPONSE AND MEMORY.

i don't know why this is true, but anything from amazing grace, he walks with me,

how great thou art.

more alert ones may recognize some classical pieces

Answer 5

They'll LOVE piano music playing the classics. Some of course will and others won't. Nursing home residents are like us: some like music; some don't.

They also have a lot of free time, so just coming and talking and playing will be very well received.

As to piano versions of the old favorites, I would ask the home. Chances are they have some piano books there you can use.

There are lots of fake books for various eras, and you should be able to find some good ideas.

To get an idea of what's good and what's not, I would ask workers at the home for some specific suggestions.

Then, see if you can find some piano books at your library to take out and try. That way, you can try out some things and see what works but without buying anything. You'll soon find what works and what doesn't.

Music that was big in the 30s, 40s and 50s gives you quite a bit of leeway.

GOOD LUCK!!