So to start off this story, I work at an assisted living home. Most of the residents that live there have mental health issues of some sort and need constant supervision. They have pretty small lives and while the home tries to take them out as much as possible, it gets pretty boring. They don't have much interaction with their families either and they are always stressed out because of these issues. I have been debating for several weeks now rather or not to bring in my piano and play for these guys..My dad actually encouraged me and gave me the idea. As much as he pestered me about the idea.. i was still not too sure about it. I was even nervous about asking my boss too! But, I finally gathered up enough courage last week and asked my boss if I could bring in my piano. She did not care and said I could bring it in whenever. Awesome right! So now the problem was having enough courage to actually bring in the piano and play in front of these guys. I rarely if ever play in front of people so the thought of it is quite terrifying. Fortunately there are only 6 guys and most of them don't care. They are usually just so happy to do anything with staff members. Yesterday, I finally brought in my piano. I set it all up. I ended up leaving it up for my whole 8 hour shift. I played it quite a lot too. Most of my shift in fact. The guys loved it! I even let a few of them try it out. The best part about this story is about one particular resident. His brain is about 75% gone from an illness. All he does is set in a chair and wait for a pilot that he thinks is coming to get him. He sets in this chair for like 10 hrs a day too. He doesn't do much and literally can't do much. He had so much fun listening to me play the piano. He even went to his room and got out his guitar and started playing along and singing. While he can't really play at all, it was still pretty cool that he got that excited. He was pretending to be Johnny Cash the whole time. He was in such a good mood all day. I think, out of all the residents, my music had the most impact on him. It was so neat to see him get out of that chair and play his guitar. He was just so happy.. He was still talking about his guitar playing and being Johnny Cash this morning. I played David Nevue's Amazing Grace for another one of the residents, and I asked him how he liked it.. He didn't say anything for a minute then he said, can you play it again? So of course, I played it again. Then he asked me if I could bring in my piano the next day! So what can I say? Overall, a really good day at work. My boss says I can bring in my piano whenever I want too. Once a week if I like. Music is the best therapy for stress right =) And... I wasn't really that nervous in the end since I already knew the guys pretty well

What a heartwarming story!! I get happy hearing about someone using their piano skill and talent to make less fortunate people happy. God bless you, Ladypayne!

This is totally awesome -- God bless your work. Music is such a universal language -- the musical part of the brain seems to still be there when other areas are affected by age. Some folks can remember the words of songs but remember little else.

What joy you are bringing by confronting your fears -- good job!!!!

Ladypayne thanks so much for sharing your story. It sounds so wonderful! You have touched the lives of all who heard you play that day!

I volunteered to play at a long term assisted living facility. It took awhile to get my security clearance and then summer and now I am back at work so my days and evenings are booked pretty solid. All that to say I haven't done it yet. I still want to do it because I do sense these people are just waiting to have some interaction with others. And I think music is good for the soul. Everything is in place I just have to say when I am going in.

After reading your awesome experience I really want to try. I'm afraid of my nerves which can get the best of me. But I haves feeling if I just do it all will be fine. Maybe tomorrow I will make the call!

I would love to continue to hear about yourexperiences doing this. I don't doubt you will be playing again!

ladypayne, this is the coolest thing ever. Music makes such an incredible difference. It can bring people to life, as you have found. It truly is a blessing. Good for you!

Zoe - never mind the nerves It's the music. I still stumble every time I play, and I've been playing for about 3 years. It's not a performance, really - it's a community thing, and an interaction. You can stop in the middle and tell them you have try again, or ask if anyone can help. Just laugh. And play music. It is so cool.

Cathy

Love the story. Please keep us posted for further update on your music therapy.

That's a wonderful story, and doesn't seem like a "yikes" at all (the thread title led me to expect some disaster).

playing in front of people makes me think YIKES :P

Do you feel more comfortable with the idea of playing for people, now that you've seen how well it went for the residents?

if it is a comfortable setting like at work... i think it is okay now but maybe would be a disaster if it was like a formal setting.. like a recital or something.. not sure how that would go lol.

ms. payne, what a great story! I'm glad you overcame your fears to do what you love - it's no surprise your guests loved it too.

If you ever get the chance, check out the book "Musicophilia" by Dr. Sacks:

http://www.amazon.com/Musicophilia-Tales-Music-Revised-Expanded/dp/1400033535

It's really incredible how differently our brains process and remember music compared to everything else.

You might be onto something with your guests - keep them smiling!

Ladypayne this is a great story. Plus, your boss is approving your playing piano at work and getting paid while doing it.

Double great!

This is great! And your playing is so good you shouldn't be scared of playing in front of anybody.

Congratulations on daring to do this and on the great result!

I recently saw this related film clip, from the film "Alive Inside":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyZQf0p73QM

What an epic story Ladypayne!!! This is what music is all about!

LP - This is a great story! I also highly recommend the book that BenPiano wisely points you to - "Musicophilia". Maybe you'll soon be writing your own memoir on the different ways that music helps the damaged brain...

What a heart warming story ladypayne

Thanks for sharing your story and for sharing your music with those residents. Its a great gift


Lee

This story is really beautiful, ladypane.
Congratulations^2

What a great story! You made those people's lives a little brighter. Love the "Johnny Cash" part. LOL Thanks for sharing.

How lovely you brought some happiness to these men Lady Payne! A great thing you ddi there.

P.S Love your quote by the Master.

Thanks for all the encouraging comments! I might end up bringing my piano to work next week. It was so much fun. =) EdwardianPiano: I like your quote by the master too :P

ladypayne~ It's so fantastic you moved others so deeply with your music and your equally deep commitment to play for them. Absolutely wonderful story!

Glen

I think you should- is it a light digital then?

The Master said some great things - this one makes me laugh:

“There are and always will be thousands of princes, but there is only one Beethoven!”

Also congratulations! You can safely remove the "yikes" from the title ;-)

It's kind of light.. Probably about 25 to 30 lbs.. It's kind of a pain to carry because it is so long and I have it screwed to a stand so every time I want to take it, I have to unscrew it, pack it up, and get it in my car lol. Not something I want to do every day but once in awhile I don't mind because it really is a fun thing to do. I also don't have a portable stand yet and I used a table at work. If I start doing this a lot, I might invest in a more portable keyboard stand

Quite light compared with my old 1910 Piano LOL

Now you can brag that you played with Johnny Cash!!

Cool story!
Being able to play at work is wonderful.

Good on you, Ladypayne, good on you!


What would be cool would be if you could find a donor piano for the facility so that you don’t have to haul yours back and forth and so that the residents would have one to try out if they so desired. Perhaps a digital that sits unused in someone’s home and they’d be willing to donate it. Maybe an ad on Craigslist or something similar, asking for a donation?

ladypayne, you go get em...
I've got my 90 yr old mom in rehabilitation and it breaks my heart every time I go there, which is once a day. I hope she gets out of there ASAP. You brought a tear to my eye. Great going!
frank

Congratulations. A terrific tale.