Working with Seniors and Adapting

We have been working with several different senior living communities in the past year and a half. Thanks to Storypoint Living, Cherry Blossom, and Danbury for having us and allowing Move Your Music Forward to further our vision. Music is a powerful tool to connect people, and so far we’ve just had such a great time. One thing I personally have learned is to adapt as different communities present themselves to our group. I understand that to truly serve I have to disconnect my ego almost entirely from the process to dig deep and be present with whomever I am with. This could mean changing what you wanted to do that day, or changing the entire workshop series.

MYMF worked with a very special senior population recently and we were able to bring in multiple songwriters to do so. New to the crew was Elia Giuliani who knocked it out of the park writing some great call and response “mini songs” that really engaged the group. Matthew Morgan, who has now done a senior session twice, helped write a beautiful ode to the community itself. Jim Shaw, who happens to be my dad, is the master of adaptation figuring out each moment what is best for the group. His song about working at the zoo was stuck in my head all week. Me, Chris Shaw, well I am learning to adapt and stay out of the way to let the music and the people shine. I had such a great time and can’t wait for the next one.