Connecting people with memory loss to the language and joy of music.
What Is Songs by Heart?
Songs by Heart is an engagement-centered program developed for Memory Care Communities in which a professional level singer leads an interactive sing-along. The singers use therapeutic techniques such as mirroring, verbal and gestural promptings, making direct eye contact, and holding hands with residents throughout the program. Singers encourage residents to join in the singing, clapping, and dancing, as well as engage in conversations centered around the musical selections.
“Those with Alzheimer’s have lost their voice. Songs by Heart helps them find it.”
-Songs by Heart singer
Programs
- 45-minute sessions that can occur as often as 5 days per week. At least once a week is recommended.
- Song selections are tailored to communities, including musical theater, patriotic & folk tunes, and jazz standards.
- Personnel will include professional level singer and pianist. We strive to keep consistency to build relationships.
- Rates are $125/session.
Since the first programs in the Chicago suburbs in 2015, Songs by Heart has expanded to over 50 memory care communities across the country, and we are proud to bring this program to the Tulsa area.
To learn more about the national foundation, visit songsbyheart.org.
What’s Next
Training sessions for our local singers begin in early November and will be scheduled again as a partnership with area communities. Following training, Tulsa Opera Songs by Heart will be available for area communities to book regular programs.
Thanks to donations, Tulsa Opera Songs by Heart may be able to offer a discount to qualified communities.
Please contact us to discuss how often you are interested in hosting a program by Tulsa Opera Songs by Heart!
Program Impacts
Stress Reduction
Music-evoked emotions and memories are often preserved in Alzheimer’s patients, and listening to familiar songs can temporarily reduce anxiety, enhance self-consciousness and identity, and improve cognitive performance in verbal and autobiographical memory.
Improving Self-Confidence
“Songs by Heart allows residents to feel successful at a time in their lives when feeling successful is rare.”
-VP of Continuous Quality Improvement
Presbyterian Homes, IL
Social Interaction
“Songs by Heart is not just a music program, it is an event that engages people at various cognitive levels and provides an environment that illuminates peace and happiness and contentment.”
Sample Song Selections
- Take Me Out to the Ballgame
- Edelweiss
- Oklahoma!
- You are My Sunshine
- Over the Rainbow
- I Could Have Danced All Night
- God Bless America
- Home on the Range
- That’s Amore
- I Got Rhythm
- Que Sera Sera
- A Bushel and a Peck
Interested in Songs by Heart?
For inquiries and scheduling, please contact Dani Keil, Director of Outreach.
Email: dkeil@tulsaopera.com
Donate to Tulsa Opera’s Songs by Heart
Donate to support a session of Songs by Heart for a worthy Tulsa-area community.