Music students spend hours and hours practicing their skills so they can master their instrument.  But to what purpose?  I like to remind my students that their skills need to be shared with others in a way that can bless their lives, too.  And what better way to share them then with an audience that is desperate for happiness and visitors in their life?  A nursing home can be a lonely place, and a bit of music can sure add pleasure to the elderly’s life.  Often times, the elderly won’t even remember you last time you came, so you can perform for them time and time again to their immense pleasure!

 

Having performed and had piano recitals at a nursing home many times now, I have learned some things that you may want to consider when you visit.

 

Schedule Ahead

 

A lot of nursing homes have a weekly schedule with crafts, meals, outings, and other events occuring.  Just showing up to a nursing home expecting to play music may not be the best course of action.  You may find them in the middle of a different activity and instead of them being happy to see you, they may be annoyed.  They may have visiting hours and you want to respect that.  Call the nursing homes before you plan to go and make sure they have you down on the schedule for a time that works for them.

 

Ask Questions

 

While you are on the phone with the nursing home personnel, ask them what kind of music their patrons enjoy.  They may have some great insights to what kind of music they would enjoy hearing.

I hold a recital for all my students at least once a year at a nursing home.  I have learned that some nursing homes are fine with a recital, as long as they know and can plan for the length of the performance.

Some nursing homes may not appreciate all of the students’ families and the many visitors accompanying their performance.  Too many visitors can overwhelm patients.  The facility may not have the accommodations needed for the size of crowd you are bringing.   Make sure that the nursing home is aware of what and how many you are planning for and that they give you the thumbs up.

Ask if there is anything else that you or others should be prepared for.

 

Know How To Enter and Exit the Facility

 

It is not uncommon for nursing homes to have locked doors or gates for coming in AND for going out.  Make sure you know the procedure for entering and exiting the home.  Inform all the performers in your group and the people they are coming with, know that information as well.

 

Visit Before You Perform

 

Before you go in for your scheduled musical performance, make sure you know what to expect by checking out the nursing home previously.  You may find out that the piano is in an inconvenient location, or that there isn’t much room to work with and you need to adjust your program.  Make sure you introduce yourself to the workers so they will recognize your face later.  Be kind and friendly to the staff and to the patrons so that they will look forward to your performance.

 

Speak to the Patrons

 

The elderly love to be acknowledged.  Taking time to shake hands, hug, and speak to the patrons will go a long ways for making the performance something they truly enjoy.  Encourage all the participants of the program to take time before and after the performance to greet the patrons, tell them their names, and to ask about their lives.  Make sure you do so warmly and with a lot of smiles.

Choose Appropriate Music

 

I wish I had known this one earlier!  Sometimes we like to choose our most “show-offy” songs.  I learned this lesson the hard way when one of the elderly patrons asked to stop the performance, saying “You are playing so loud you are hurting my ears!”  Save yourself the embarrassment by choosing music that is not so “grand” and “overbearing”.  Choose music that is a little more toned down and not too long.

They also love music that they recognize.  It is not uncommon for them to squeal or loudly express how much they enjoy your song when they can sing along or recognize it.

If you can, the elderly love to make requests.  Let them know that you will accept any requests they have later in the performance, giving them time to think.  Then when you are ready for the requests, they will have some ideas for you.

You can have a sing-along.  Choose music that the patrons can sing to and stay involved in.  Oh they will smile so big and just rock back and forth to the beat.  These are some of the most fun performances when you choose music that they can sing along to!

 

Expect Interruptions

 

Not all of the elderly in nursing homes have the same manners you may be used to.  They very often will exclaim something in the middle of a performance, or try clapping along, or even express their dislike.  Make sure all the performers are aware of this and know that this is normal.  We don’t want your young performers to be thrown off by something they don’t know how to handle.

Honestly, though, this is one of my students favorite parts of performing in a nursing home.  A student has been told, in the middle of their song, that, “He is really good!” or “Did you hear that?”  You can just see the student perk up from those comments.

 

Gifts/Handouts

 

If you planning on giving them a treat, or any sort of handout, previously approve of the items before your performance.  Many of the patrons have health concerns, or diabetes, or diet restrictions and just handing out candy to the patrons without consulting the workers is NOT a good idea.

It is fun to have something to give them, though, and I will often have something that my students have made to give out to the patrons the day of the performance.  I have done everything from a picture of our group to give to each of them, to a chocolate kiss (for those we had permission to give them to), to a little stuffed animal.  Whatever it is, the students enjoy having something to give to them.

 

Speak Loudly

 

This may be obvious, but the elderly have a hard time hearing.  So keep your speeches simple and speak loudly.  Your students will need to be told, and possibly reminded, to speak loudly when they introduce their names and their song.

Be Timely

 

Stick to the length you have previously arranged for.  Make sure you are prepared for how many songs you will have time for.  They have a schedule to keep and you need to respect that.  The workers may need to take care of the patron’s needs and if you stay too long, you may interfere with that.  Be respectful of the patron’s needs for rest as well by not staying longer than you planned.

 

Be Flexible

 

When you arrive, not all of the patrons may be available.  Or they could be eating, or they could be playing games. Be ready to be flexible and work with the situations, whatever they may be.  At the nursing home we like to visit, they are often not assembled by the time we get there and the workers like to get the patrons out in the living room before we begin.  We have learned to wait patiently, help out where possible, and adjust as needed.

 

If Possible, Choose Times Other Then Holidays

 

Holidays are certainly a popular time for nursing homes to be visited.  But they can go months without visitors in between those times.  Plan a time to visit in the “off-season”.  They will appreciate you all the more!

Of course, if holiday visiting is the only time you can go, then do it.  Just make sure you schedule ahead with the nursing homes.

 

Learn the Names of the Staff Members Involved

 

Invest your time and energy into making sure you know the names of the staff members involved.  You will want to makes sure they feel comfortable communicating with you so that they will welcome you back another time.  Thank them for the opportunity to perform at their facility.

Performing at a nursing home or assisted living facility is one of the most rewarding things.  You brighten the lives of these elderly people and with a little thought and preparation, it will be a success and one you and your fellow performers will remember with fondness.  Done right, you will want to go back and do it again and again!  And the nursing homes will want you to, too.