Creative Aging Through Music

 Program Descriptions

What is creative aging? Utilizing the arts and arts education programming to enrich the lives of adults aged 55 years and older.  Studies have shown that actively engaging in creativity through the arts as we age, not only improves our sense of self, confidence, and fulfillment, but also reduces cognitive decline, keeps us mentally alert, and builds social connections between people and communities.

Engage and create!

Caregivers and family members alike can connect with their friends, neighbors and loved ones using creativity as a vehicle of expression and communication.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm

FREE ONLINE CELLO WORKSHOP FOR ADULT BEGINNERS

with

Kate Dillingham, cello

Learning how to play the cello is awesome! Want to learn from one of the best? Perennial Muse invites you to join acclaimed cellist and teaching artist Kate Dillingham for a free online cello workshop for adult beginners on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7pm!

This 1-hour online session is perfect for adults who are new to the cello (or picking it back up again) and want to learn from an experienced performer and educator. Kate will cover cello basics like posture, holding the instrument properly, bowing, fingering, and tips for effective practicing.

This free online workshop is presented on MyBlueSkiesMusic.com, our new educational platform. There are no apps to download or special equipment needed - all you need is a cello, an internet device/smartphone, and a readiness to learn! 

  • Workshops

    Older adults and caregivers can participate in music workshops, demonstrations, and lectures. Online and in-person, there will be something for everyone!

  • Group Lessons

    In-person and online Adult Beginner group classes exclusively for adults 55 yrs + older. Classes meet weekly for 60-minute lessons. Convenient short- or longer-term sessions.

  • Private Lessons

    Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of private instructions taught in-person (New York City area) available for 30-, 45-, or 60-minute lessons. Caregivers encouraged.

Introducing

LUNCH MUSIC CAFÉ

Perennial Muse is pleased and excited to bring music to lunch! The Lunch Music Café afternoon music series presents live music performances during lunch hours at senior centers, rehabilitation & nursing centers, and assisted living facilities in Brooklyn, NY and the New York City area. Area musicians perform a variety of styles and themes each month from Classical, Jazz, Folk/Traditional, and Popular genres. A pleasant serenade for lunch goers and staff at midday.  What’s on the menu for the day’s performance?

Lunch Music Cafe is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council.

Past Events

Lunch Music Cafe IV

“A Juneteenth Celebration”

Music from the Black Diaspora, old and new, classical and popular, and in celebration performed by

Juneteenth LP

Nnenna Ogwo, piano

Frederique Gnaman, violin

Daniel Constant, violin

Eric Cooper, cello

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

1pm- 2pm

Christopher Blenman Older Adult Club (Brooklyn, NY)

In-person

Past Events

Lunch Music Cafe III

“That’s Jazz Right”

An afternoon filled with the sound of smooth jazz performed by the

Laster-Banks-Cox Trio

Gwen Laster, violin

Damon Banks, bass

Bruce Cox, drums

Friday, June 9, 2023

12:15pm- 1:15pm

Park Slope Center for Successful Aging (Brooklyn, NY)

In-person

Video highlights from Lunch Music Cafe III @ Park Slope Center for Successful Aging in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York.

Past Events

Lunch Music Cafe II

“Strings in Spring”

A pleasant mix of light classical and popular songs from the 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s rendered by strings

Perennial Muse String Quartet

Naho Parrini, violin

Adela Pena, violin

Aundrey Mitchell, viola

Maria Jeffers, cello

Thursday, May 18, 2023

12:15pm- 1:15pm

Phoenix Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (Brooklyn, NY)

In-person

Past Events

Lunch Music Cafe I

“Songs from the Heart”

A lunchtime treat of English, Spanish, and French folk & popular songs performed by

Alida Torres, vocalist

Aidan Scrimgeour, piano

Monday, April 24, 2023

12:15pm- 1:15pm

New Carlton Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (Brooklyn, NY)

In-person

 

Workshop

Tuning the Body & Mind: Humming for Self-Care

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

11am - 11:45am

Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Citizens Center (Cambria Heights, NY)

In-person & live stream via Zoom

Tuning the Body & Mind: Humming for Self-Care

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

11am - 11:45am

Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Citizens Center (Cambria Heights, NY)

In-person and live stream via Zoom

 

Featured Classes & Lessons

  • Steel Tongue Drum Class for Older Adults

  • Adult Intro to Piano Class

  • Adult Beginner Group Violin Class

  • Adult Beginner Group Piano Class

The Steel Tongue Drum

This Steel Tongue Drum is an 11-note, easy to play, instrument that produces beautiful, calming sounds.  This simple, acoustic instrument is a great introduction to rhythm and pitch.  It’s portable, and rests comfortably in most places - on your lap, on a table, or your bed.

Click here for the full video.

  Gallery