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.
Let’s Sing Together
Tulsa Opera Songs by Heart is available for area communities to book regular programs.
Thanks to generous grants, Tulsa Opera Songs by Heart can offer a complimentary session for you to see the program for yourself! We encourage family members to attend and enjoy the session with their loved one.
Please contact us to discuss how often your community is 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
Grants
Tulsa Opera was awarded a Civic Practice Grant from Opera America. The award helps our company develop and deepen our partnerships that will lead to sustained collaboration, shared projects, and interconnected programming.
The Rotary Club of Tulsa Foundation awarded financial support to Tulsa Opera Songs by Heart to fund the growth of the program.
If you know a foundation whose mission aligns with Tulsa Opera Songs by Heart please contact Dani Keil at dkeil@tulsaopera.com
Interested in Songs by Heart?
For inquiries and scheduling, please contact Dani Keil.
Email: dkeil@tulsaopera.com