Submitted by the Rimbey-Ponoka Adult Learning Society
It’s that time of year again, when parents begin to register their children for fall classes in various activities and lessons. Adult Education calendars are distributed and classes are chosen for the fall term.
This scenario is a perfect example of the lifelong learning (or LLL) cycle. Lifelong learning is the process of acquiring knowledge for the sake of improving employment skills or simply for the pleasure of learning something new. It is usually taken casually but new research reveals that the learning process should not be taken so casually, particularly for seniors. It is now recognized that lifelong learning is crucial for healthy aging. Recent scientific research has suggested that people who continue to exercise their minds as they age are less likely to develop dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other various cognitive impairments. Several studies have also linked lifelong learning to better physical and emotional health.
Through brain imaging techniques, it has been learned that the human brain is more flexible than once believed. When the brain is challenged by something new, it responds by releasing a chemical called acetylcholine, which aids in creating new brain cells and new neural pathways, building a “cognitive reserve.” Building this cognitive reserve appears to provide one with a defence against brain deterioration.
The benefits of exercising the aging mind are many, but these benefits occur with new and challenging activities. One such activity that supports this process is learning a musical instrument. There is research to support the idea that playing music may help seniors build brain power or “brain plasticity,” which is the ability to build those beneficial new neural pathways. Dr. Aniruhhd Patel, of the Neurosciences Institute in San Diego has stated that neuroimaging has shown that large areas of both hemispheres of the brain are engaged when playing music, rather than only certain smaller portions of the brain. Dr. Gottfried Schlaug, of the Music and Neuroimaging Laboratory at Beth, Israel, observed that research shows a particularly positive effect on the aging brain of those studying music, in comparison to seniors’ brains engaged in other cognitive activities such as reading, writing and doing crossword puzzles.
One might question why learning to play a musical instrument benefits the brain more greatly than some other activities. Al Bumanis, director of communications for the American Music Therapy Association Inc., posits that the practising and focus necessary for that activity, helps with memory skills. Further, the interaction with others in the class and in performance, creates new social opportunities and widens community connections. It also provides an emotional outlet, and can help to ease depression to a certain extent.
Learning a musical instrument has further physical benefits, as brain-hand connections are constantly employed, and the activity provides an opportunity to build finger dexterity. Music can also increase the release of endorphins and dopamine in the brain, helping to partially lessen pain and relieve anxiety.
This year, through the Rimbey-Ponoka Adult Learning Society, a new adult and adult seniors course is being offered by Lyn Lamers of Musical Soul Studios. She has extensive experience teaching music as well as working with seniors, and holds two music degrees, an ATCL in piano pedagogy, and a bachelor of music degree in history and literature, as well as masters in divinity. Lamers has researched and written on various subjects, including the use of music to help ease chronic pain; lifelong learning issues and music, and has also written a thesis on compassion fatigue and the helping professions.
After experiencing personally the healing qualities of music, she determined to share her knowledge with others. She feels that many could benefit greatly by learning to play the piano keyboard, with the healing and growth opportunity that this activity provides. Searching out a good adult keyboarding course proved to be a problem, as many of the courses either assumed too much knowledge, moved too quickly or were boring and unmusical.
None of these courses were specifically written for seniors nor did they address the challenges that seniors may face when beginning to learn a musical instrument. This being the case, she created a new course specifically for older adults and seniors. It incorporates all of the basics, and uses tuneful melodies, (newly composed), and familiar melodies arranged for the adult beginner. Many types and styles of music are included. The courses are taught in six levels, with advanced classes also available upon request.
The students are taught in groups of four, using Yamaha keyboards. The courses run in six week modules throughout the year, with various starting dates.
One interesting feature of these classes is the volunteer opportunity to participate in ensemble performances for other seniors who cannot participate physically in the classes, but still love music. Sharing the joy of music with the greater community will be encouraged.
Lamers’ enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment of music and teaching, coupled with a contagious sense of humour, promises to create a lot of fun and learning.
For further information on anything mentioned in this article, or questions about the classes, feel free to call Lyn Lamers at (403) 783-8669, or (403) 877-0499, or e-mail your questions to musicalsoulstudio@gmail.com.