Singing and creating music together can be a powerful way for people to connect in a creative and meaningful way.
Senior Planet participants, led by singer and songwriter Maggie Rothwell, come together twice a month online to explore the art of songwriting and singing. These sessions, held on the first and third Wednesdays, offer a space for inspiration, sharing tips, performing original songs, receiving feedback, and enjoying a variety of songs written by other participants. The sessions are open for anyone to perform or listen.
Want to see the talent at Senior Planet? Check out our Singer-Songwriter showcase on YouTube here.
Unleash your inner musical talents with our Songwriting Night series and other music programs. Get more information here.
According to Rothwell, “Music connects us with our emotions, our past, and gives us hope for the future. It has the power to uplift and bring joy to our lives.”
A Song a Day
The Daily Antidote of Song, created during the pandemic lockdown and continuing strong for over 1400 days, brings people together from around the country and the world to sing every day at 12 noon EST.
Jo Rasi, program director, shares, “What started as a temporary idea has now become a long-standing tradition, providing live music and connection for those who may have experienced isolation before and during the pandemic.”
Each session features a host and a song leader, with lyrics displayed for everyone to follow along. Senior Planet has participated in several sessions and enjoyed the diverse musical experiences.
If you can’t join live, recordings of the sessions are available on YouTube.
Singing, Music and Health
Research shows that singing improves health, mood, and memory, and reduces anxiety. Singing has positive effects on the brain and can help individuals with dementia recall memories. Membership in a choir or singing group promotes social bonding and teamwork skills.
Sing Your Own Song!
Rothwell encourages songwriting as a fun and creative outlet that can be both therapeutic and entertaining. Senior Planet’s Songwriting Night provides a supportive environment for songwriters of all levels to receive feedback and collaborate with musicians to bring their lyrics to life.
Sharing a self-written song creates a unique connection with the audience and allows for personal expression on various topics.
Your Turn
What’s your favorite song? Whether it’s a classic, a torch song, or one you’ve written yourself, share your choices in the comments!
Join the Jam
Don’t miss the Senior Planet Songwriter Showcase on Wednesday, March 20th at 7:00 EST. It’s a free event featuring talented songwriters from the Songwriting Night series. Join us!
Kate Walter is a writer and educator with a passion for storytelling. Her work has been featured in various publications, and she now serves as a writing coach.
