Insights and information
about music, brain health, aging, and much more.
5 Myths About Dementia
“I heard someone whisper the other day, ‘My father has Alzheimer’s.’ I just gave him a big hug and said, ‘You don’t have to whisper—shout it out loud,’ said Gary. I am not ashamed of having Alzheimer’s. All my neighbors are aware I have a problem and there’s no...
Song Spotlight: Fun, Fun, Fun (The Beach Boys, 1964)
In 1963, the acclaimed producer Russ Titelman went to visit Brian Wilson at his office in a bank building on the southeast corner of Sunset and Vine in Los Angeles. Wilson told Titelman that he was working on a song called “Run, Run, Run.” That song eventually morphed...
Guess Who’s Singing Beside You? Betsy Vandercook
Recycling Champion, Community Activist & Intrepid Alto – Some of us are fortunate to have a life-changing experience while still young enough to learn from it. For Betsy Vandercook, it happened in 1969…
Isolated older adults find joy and connection through virtual singing
Those with neurocognitive disorders like dementia especially benefit By Kristin Samuelson, Senior Health Sciences Editor Northwestern UniversityAmerican philosopher and psychologist William James once said, “I don’t sing because I’m happy. I’m happy because I sing.” A...
Why I Sing with Sounds Good Choir
Several weeks ago, we asked members of our Sounds Good choirs: Why do you sing? What motivates you? And why do you sing with Sounds Good Choir? Our singers’ responses filled our hearts with joy. Thank you to everyone who shared.I love singing. I could sing in many...
Guess Who’s Singing Beside You? Betty Dayron
Soprano, Social Worker & Blues Cruiser – At the tender age of 11, few of us know what we want to be when we grow up. Betty Dayron is the exception: she knew she wanted to be a social worker, and she went on to fulfill her dream in a 43-year career with the…