Piano Time at Greenwood Assisted Living

Sunday, December 15th 2024

By: Charlotte Hendrey

Today at Greenwood Assisted Living I played a number of piano pieces, including Invention 13 by Bach, and Lucky Enough by Schumann which I am practicing for my upcoming piano contest.

After playing, I got a lovely applause from the guests. Some motioned their hands together to signify clapping, which was equally appreciated.

I had a nice conversation with Margaret (in the right image). I told her about how I grew up in San Francisco, and moved her in fourth grade. Then, she told me she grew up in Vallejo, and that she used to work in San Francisco. Margaret told me she was a teacher for fourth or fifth grade (she tried to remember), and we continued to talk for around ten minutes.

We also talked to Jackie (in the middle image), who added that she grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota. She said she grew up in a house that had a little bridge over a creek. We talked about the difference between South Dakota and North Dakota. Jackie told Margaret and me that North Dakota is a very nice place, and that we should visit it.

Playing piano for the guests provides musical therapy, enabling them to relax and connect to the music. I watched them close their eyes and smile as I played. On top of that, engaging with them in conversation is equally important. Asking them about memories from their childhood can not only allow them to exercise their memory, but also builds closer bonds between us. They can be quiet at first, but the combination of music and a warm smile brings out their lovely personalities.

As I left, the guests’ moods had visibly improved. They had smiles on their faces, and Jackie asked when I would come back again. I told all of them that I would be back next weekend to decorate stockings with them!