Music For Good Mental Health

As an old saying goes, music soothes the savage beast within us all. But this season The Phoenix Symphony and Banner Alzheimer's Institute have taken that idea one step further through its Arts Engagement Program. This partnership has allowed patients with mild to moderate alzheimers and their caregivers to come to Coffee Classics concerts throughout the 2008-09 Season. As a part of those concert experiences, participants have had pre-concert chats about the day's music with Principal Timpanist Bruce Pulk as well as post-concert discussions facilitated by the Arts Engagement staff. Participants also enjoyed meetings with Phoenix Symphony musicians and even an exclusive backstage tour.

Research studies have shown time and again that music aids in brain function and can do amazing things for those with Alzheimers and other memory problems. It has been a privledge to be a partner in this program and use the power of live music to better the lives of the program participants. Check out the video below (or in HD here) which was created to present an overview of the program at its completion. If you have a personal story or experience where music enhanced your health or well being, we’d love to hear about it here in the comments!