CARING, ENGAGEMENT & HOPE ADDRESSING LONELINESS IN DEMENTIA
Research indicates one out of every two individuals living with dementia suffer from chronic loneliness. Studies suggest that peer support is a powerful effective approach to loneliness—if the right structures and training are in place. Dr. Kristine Theurer will share research results of a pilot evaluating an innovative approach to loneliness called Java Memory Care. Attendees will have an opportunity to experience this approach by walking through the steps of the program. Inspiring stories of caring, engagement and hope among participants—despite the mental and physical challenges—will be shared. Attendees will leave with a practical takeaway strategy handout.
THE SINGING SOUL
The Singing Soul is spontaneous, in-the-moment singing; the unveiling of our very uniqueness in melody, harmony, and rhythm…our stories, in words, and beyond them. There are no wrong notes and there’s nothing to memorize, just breathe and sing….ahh! Sessions begin with physical and vocal warming, improv style! A variety of clearly outlined structures are offered, each of which generates different experiences and outcomes. Sessions are punctuated with pauses to process our learnings together. You’ll strengthen your abilities as a vocal musician in creating melodies and harmonies, laying down vocal percussion grooves and bass lines, and gelling with others in creating freewheeling counterpoint that just begs a soloist - then becoming that too! Experience new roles and genres in your music-making. The synergy of improvisation inspires and empowers as we enable each other to discover creative new terrain vocally, musically, and expressively.
(Max 20 per session)
ROOTED IN MUSIC:
RELAXATION FOR SELF-CARE
Are you in need of some self care or some time out to be just “be”? Come to this workshop ready to be relaxed! This will be a fully immersive experience. Participants will receive a sound bath in the form of a skilled, researched, live music relaxation, while laying down. Experience deep breathing, a form of Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation and a positive affirming segment that will leave you feeling refreshed, calm and self regulated.
* ADAPTIVE MUSIC:
ENGINEERING A NEW WAY
TO PLAY
The Vancouver Adapted Music Society supports and promotes musicians with physical disabilities in the Metro Vancouver Area.
They operate Canada’s only fully accessible recording studio, release CDs, create music videos, and promote concerts. Formed in 1988 by two musicians with high-level disabilities, VAMS shows that disability is not a barrier to creativity. Accessibility is central to everything they do. Participants explore and discover music and their own capabilities.
Explore how creativity and design plans work together to make music production and creation accessible to all.
* CURRENT MUSIC CARE RESEARCH
Music holds tremendous interest for research in various sectors. Each research track workshop will feature four – fifteen minute presentations (8 in total) on clinical and programmatic research projects in Canada that focus on the effects and impact music has on health and well-being. Topics will include resiliency, diversity, social prescription, Parkinson’s Disease and more.