“Songwriting in the nursing home is not a mere activity. Songwriting is an opportunity for intellectual, artistic and spiritual growth. As such, it fosters a real sense of neighborhood and transcends the artificiality of the institutional life.”
--Theresa Allison, M.D., M.A. reporting on her study of Songwriting Works in the chapter «Songwriting in the Nursing Home: Transcending the Boundaries of Institutionalization
Through Music» forthcoming in the Oxford Handbook of Medical Ethnomusicology: Music, Medicine and Culture (Oxford University Press, 2008)
TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As research shows, music-making is mutually beneficial for participants and
providers/facilitators.
Judith-Kate Friedman and associates offer trainings for healthcare, education and music/arts
professionals throughout North America.
Training topics include:
- "Better Living Through Songwriting
- Demonstrations of the Songwriting Works™ process
- Discussion of applied research in creativity and aging
- Nuts & bolts of replicating best practice models
- Maps for building successful artist/provider partnerships
- Tools for enhancing one’s own creativity to mutually benefit both self and clients
In 2007 Songwriting Works received the MetLife Foundation-American Society on Aging
MindAlert award for innovative programs enhancing mental fitness for older adults with cognitive impairments.
As a member of MindAlert training faculty Ms. Friedman offers MindAlert trainings throughout the U.S. For registration and
locations click here. To learn more about funding opportunities for those interested in hosting a training, click here.
Songwriting Works hopes to offer web-based continuing education and training intensives on
Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula beginning in 2008-09.
To support these initiatives, learn about sponsorship opportunities, or inquire about hosting a 2008 MindAlert training, please contact SW’s founding director Judith-Kate Friedman at director@songwritingworks.org or phone: 360/385-1160.