The Piano Wizard Project: Developing a Music-Based Lifelong Learning Programme for Older Adults

Abstract

As the ageing population continues to grow there  is an increase in the need for wellness-based music therapy programmes and interventions. Programmatic outcomes such as fostering opportunities for older adults to: 1) learn a new skill, 2) make decisions, 3) structure time through development of musical skills, and 4) socially interact with others should be addressed when developing wellness-based music therapy programmes. This paper shares a music therapist’s development of a wellness-based programme that addresses the above programmatic outcomes while enhancing older adults’ cognitive, psychosocial, and physical functioning.