You Bring Out the Music in Me

An enlightening book, You Bring Out the Music in Me, explores how music motivates, enriches, touches, relaxes, and energizes the elderly in nursing homes. Practicing music therapists explain how music "speaks" to all of us, regardless of our language, culture, or abilities and how it can be used with groups and individuals in nursing homes to encourage relaxation and expression of feeling and increase socialization. The chapters encompass both music therapy practice in gerontology as well as practical ideals and suggestions for activities directors who want to use music in their nursing home activities programs. This readable book includes a history of music therapy, the need for research in the field, discussions of music in groups and music with individuals, and a useful resource list of music materials.

Beckie Karras

Contents Introduction - Music Therapy: Its Historical Relationships and Value in Programs for the Long-Term Care Setting - A Justification of Music Therapy in the Nursing Home Setting - Music and Dance: Tools for Reality Orientation - Music and Movement for the Geriatric Resident - "Adding Life to the Place": Musical Activities in the Nursing Home - English Handbells in Nursing Homes - Music and Reminiscence: For Groups and Individuals - The Use of Music Therapy as an Individualized Activity - Music Therapy and Hospice Care - Music as Sleep Therapy - Resource List