.jpg)
Resource Toolkit
This toolkit is meant to be a resource for anyone who wants to use music as a tool for memory, connection, and healing. It blends what I’ve learned through research, volunteering in memory care, and interviewing music therapists with trusted outside resources. My goal is for this page to give you everything you need to begin exploring music therapy, whether you’re a caregiver, a student, or just curious about the power of music.
How to Perform Music Therapy at Home
Start with Personalization
-
Create a playlist of songs that were popular or meaningful to the person during their teens and early adulthood. This is when most people form their strongest emotional connections to music.
-
Ask family and friends what songs “always remind them” of the person , those usually spark strong memories.
Make Music Part of a Routine
-
Use calming music before bedtime or during stressful times.
-
Play upbeat songs in the morning to encourage movement and energy.
-
Pair songs with daily activities (brushing teeth, mealtimes, walks) to provide structure and comfort.
Encourage Participation
-
Sing along, clap, or hum together. Even tapping a hand to the beat can activate memory and motor pathways.
-
Simple instruments like shakers, tambourines, or drums can make sessions more engaging.
Keep Sessions Gentle and Flexible
-
20–30 minutes is usually enough to see positive effects without overwhelming the person
-
Watch for body language. If someone seems anxious or tired, pause and switch to a softer song or end the session.
-
Repetition is helpful; playing the same songs regularly can strengthen memory associations.
Scientific Support
-
Research shows that music activates multiple areas of the brain at once, even in advanced stages of memory loss.
-
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, about 9 out of 10 people with dementia respond positively to music.
-
Studies also show music can increase neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new pathways), which helps explain why familiar songs often shine when other memories fade.
Insights from Therapists & Experience
From my interviews with neurologists and music therapists:
-
Music therapy is not a cure, but it consistently improves mood, communication, and connection.
-
Therapists stressed the importance of tailoring sessions to the individual rather than just using “relaxing” or generic music.
-
In my volunteer work, I saw firsthand how people who couldn’t carry a conversation could suddenly sing whole verses of songs they loved as teenagers. It reminded me that memories don’t just live in words, they live in sound and emotion too.
Tools & Resources
Playlists & Apps
-
Spotify and Apple Music have pre-made memory care playlists, but personalized ones work best.
-
Music & Memory (musicandmemory.org) offers help aswell on building playlists for dementia patients.
-
SingFit app is designed for dementia care, turning lyrics into interactive activities.
Helpful Books
-
Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks explains how music shapes the brain.
-
Where Memory Goes by Sally Magnusson is another great book with a blend of personal story and science.
Websites & Organizations
-
Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) has practical caregiving resources.
-
American Music Therapy Association (musictherapy.org) is where you can find certified therapists.
-
Music & Memory (musicandmemory.org) is a program focused on using personalized music in dementia care.