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"Lehmberg and Fung present a ground-breaking look at quality of life via the music participation of older adults in diverse US senior centers. The state of musical activities in senior centers pre- and midpandemic is elucidated through original research conducted in senior centers across six states. Featured are older adults' stories told in their own words; insights from senior center activity leaders, management, and staff; and data, analyses, and syntheses from the authors' senior center visits and a survey of center managers. The authors document the adjustment process undergone by these centers during the pandemic and leading into a new normal. Recommendations are offered for policy makers, school and community music educators, music activity leaders, older adults, caregivers, and service providers to enhance the quality of life of older adults. The critical role that music plays in supporting their quality of life is emphasized"--
List of contents
Figures and Tables; Dedication; Acknowledgements; Part 1. A New Scene for Exploration: 1. Social and musical responsiveness; 2. State of music in U.S. senior centers; Part 2. An Experiential View of Music in Senior Centers: 3. A close-up look at enior centers; 4. Music across six senior centers; 5. Older adults' perspectives on music; 6. Toward enhanced quality of life through musical activities in senior centers; Part 3. Entering a New Normal: 7. Musical opportunities in U.S. senior centers pre- and mid-pandemic; 8. Lifelong music participation and new considerations; Appendices; References; Index.
About the author
Lisa J. Lehmberg is Professor of Music Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. She holds a PhD degree in music education and has extensive experience as a school music specialist. Her publications include research- and practice-based books, chapters, and articles, including the book Music for Life: Music Participation and Quality of Life of Senior Citizens (co-authored with C. Victor Fung, 2016).C. Victor Fung is Professor of Music Education at the University of South Florida, USA. He authored Music for Life: Music Participation and Quality of Life of Senior Citizens (with Lisa J. Lehmberg, 2016) and A Way of Music Education: Classic Chinese Wisdoms (2018). He was a Fulbright researcher in Japan and has given open lectures at over thirty institutions across four continents.
Summary
Written for all who support the well-being of older adults, including scholars, educators, health professionals, musicians, psychologists, service providers, caregivers, and students. The authors share findings on how musical activities in senior centers serving diverse clienteles across the United States enhance older adults' quality of life.
Foreword
Older adults' stories and researchers' insights show how music participation in US senior centers enhances quality of life.
