Instruments for older people appeal
We believe that it’s never too late to start or return to an instrument you’ve longed to play! Help us to establish a bank of musical instruments for older people wishing to embark on a course of instrumental lessons.
How often have you heard someone say that they wished they’d learnt to play a musical instrument as a child? Or that they regretted giving up so soon? We’ve heard this a lot, and believe that it’s never too late to start or return to an instrument you’ve longed to play!
Why learn an instrument later in life?
For us it’s a no-brainer. Why? Well for a start, people often have more time when they retire, or when children move away from home. What better way to make great use of some extra free time than by taking up an instrument?
Playing music is the brain’s equivalent of a full body workout, enhancing memory and cognitive ability, while also boosting self-esteem and confidence. And it’s not just a spoonful of medicine. Learning an instrument and playing with other like-minded musicians brings new friendships, opportunities to socialise and creative self-expression to many people’s lives.
The advent of Covid-19 has amplified the loneliness that many older people already experience. As we age, we ideally acquire new skills and discover new interests which fulfil and enrich our lives. However, sometimes life can contract as we grow older, be that through illness, isolation or losing friends and loved ones. Creativity is a valuable way to reconnect with ourselves and continue on that journey of growth. At Music Network, we want to encourage more older citizens to become actively engaged in making music. We’re aiming to ensure that all people, not only professional musicians, are afforded the chance to participate as musical citizens.
We also know that by empowering and amplifying older voices, society as a whole will benefit. Just like an orchestra whose musicians play in harmony to produce a beautiful sound, a culture that includes and values all of its members will invariably reap the rewards.
Our aim is to establish a bank of musical instruments which will be made available exclusively to older people wishing to embark on a course of instrumental lessons.
If you would like to support our musical instruments for older people initiative, we’d love to hear from you. You can make an instant donation below, or contact Arantxa Colomé, Music Network Development Manager at development@musicnetwork.ie to find out more.
