Thank you to anyone and everyone who has been visiting my blog.
As I have written in the past, I am amazed to check my stats and see that people continue to show up — even though I post somewhat infrequently.
Maybe that’s part of the power/magic of having 13 years worth of previous blog posts?
Today’s Throwback Thursday re-visits a blog post I published on March 15, 2014.
It focuses on music — and includes a recording of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David classic, “Alfie.”
You can click here to access it if you are curious.
Pianist/singer/arranger/songwriter Molly Ruggles and I performed “Alfie” recently at an assisted living community in Milford, MA, as part of an hour-long program of songs composed by Burt Bacharach.
Some of the folks in their memory care unit joined us, and one woman in a wheelchair appeared to be particularly zoned out when she was wheeled to her spot in the audience.
Then the music began… and she started to sing-along.
She was able to remember the lyrics to a bunch of Bacharach/David hits, including “Walk On By,” “Close To You.” and “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.”
Music has many mysterious powers!
A quick search on Google tells me that “listening to or playing music is a full-brain experience that engages nearly every region, creating a ‘total brain workout’. It activates a widespread network involving auditory, emotional, motor, and memory systems simultaneously, often synchronizing these areas to enhance cognitive function.
- Auditory Cortex (Temporal Lobes): Processes sound, rhythm, and melody, converting sound waves into electrical signals.
- Limbic System (Emotion & Memory): The amygdala (emotion) and hippocampus (memory) respond to music, explaining why specific songs trigger vivid memories or emotional responses.
- Motor System (Movement): The cerebellum and motor cortex are activated, controlling involuntary tapping or dancing to the rhythm.
- Prefrontal Cortex (Focus & Planning): Involved in planning, attention, and interpreting musical structure.
- Neurotransmitter Release: Music boosts dopamine (pleasure/motivation) and serotonin, while lowering cortisol (stress).
And here’s a link to an article which elaborates on some of these phenomena — featuring a lovely pediatrician and musician named Patrick Whelan who was a member of the same a cappella singing group I joined in college — the Harvard Din & Tonics.
Thank you to the generous and talented photographers at Pixabay.
Thank you to the folks researching how music affects us.
And thank YOU for reading another one of my blog posts!
amusicalifeonplanetearth 
How wonderful that you visit the people in assisted living to share the gift of your music. Music can be powerful and healing. Kudos Will.
Thanks, Brad. When these gigs go well, everyone’s hearts are buoyed up for a few hours. I’ve been to this particular place 30+ times. I like the staff there, and their grand piano is functional. The only sad part is when familiar faces (with whom we like to schmooze before and after our performances) disappear — either because they have moved to another retirement community or they have moved on to another plane of existence… Deep breath in. Deep breath out.
I understand. I was part of a group that went caroling in a home for a few years. It was very heartwarming and sad too.
I love being the person who is with you when these elderly souls are awakened and energized by our music.
Your musical — and interpersonal — gifts are a big part of how the magic happens, Molly!
I understand exactly how good you must feel after one of these gigs. Many years ago I volunteered as a helper at a Help the Aged weekly club. We looked after dementia and Altzheimer’s disease sufferers for the day which gave their poor exhausted carers a few hours off. These were people who were being cared for in their own homes by relatives – spouses, sons, daughters etc. We regularly had a musical afternoon where a friend arrived with a portable electric organ and we all just sang all sorts of songs; popular songs of yesteryear, hymns and so on. Most of our memory-loss clients really enjoyed this and sang along with us, remembering all the words. Some even got up and had a little dance too. When it was over and we were all enjoying some tea or coffee the amount of talking was amazing, even from those poor people who hardly ever said a word.
Wow. You have experienced this mysterious power of music firsthand! It IS very interesting that music affects so many different parts of our brains. What an important service this “Help The Aged” group was/is offering!
A real brain workout.
Yes. It appears that music gives all different parts of our brain a fun work out! Listening to music is helpful, and cgtively making music is apparently even more powerful…
What a great idea to do a show of Bacharach songs. His songs were pretty much upbeat and memorable. We do “Raindrops Keep Fallin'” in my uke group, and it’s a fun sing-along. I think I might just steal your idea and suggest the group develops a Bacharach set as part of our next gig. 😉
Surely music jogs our memories, as your rendition of Alfie took me right back to my teen years. It got me humming “Windy” and “Respect” as well…
Stay cool!
Julie
I love how associative our brains can be — that “Alfie” inspired you to hum other songs from that era of your life. Some of Bacharach’s songs have very idiosyncratic time signatures (such as “Promises, Promises” and “Anyone Who Had A Heart”) which might need a little extra practicing. He also tended to use jazzier chords which can be a bit challenging to play on a uke. But they are certainly worth adding to one’s uke repertoire! I think there is a nice version of “Close To You” in one of the Daily Ukulele books, for example, which is very easy to play.
The power of music, right? Many thanks for this wonderful post, Will!
Yes, indeed! And you are most welcome.
I agree with Brad. Kudos to you, Will. I’m sure your time in the assisted living facility eased the pain and loneliness of those in attendance.
Thanks for reading, listening and commenting, Edward. Most of the communities we perform at have a nice vibe with patient, loving staff members. But even with great staff, some/most residents must inevitably feel pain and loneliness from time to time due the loss of their spouse, their home, their former circle of friends, etc. Deep sigh. However, music DOES help to lift most of our spirits most of the time…
You’re welcome. Music helps, but having people who care is what really matters.