When walking the halls of Ingleside at Rock Creek (IRC), it is not rare to hear echo with the sound of live music and interactive group classes, courtesy of talented musicians from Levine Music.
Through Ingleside’s partnership with the acclaimed music school, residents participate in weekly interactive music sessions and one-on-one experiences that are funded by Ingleside’s philanthropic arm, the Westminster Ingleside Foundation (WIF). The program is designed to support social connection, creative expression, and overall wellbeing.
By bringing accessible live music experiences directly into life plan communities, seniors can engage in a range of activities from gentle movement, rhythm exercises, and sing-alongs to personalized sessions with world class musicians —all without having to leave campus. This flexible approach allows individuals to explore their musical interests, revisit lifelong passions, or discover entirely new ones even while in retirement.
How Music Fosters Social Connection in Senior Living
Distinct from other life plan community programs such as music therapy—which is more of a clinical intervention tailored towards Ingleside residents with cognitive loss — the music and wellbeing program is intentionally designed to bring independent living residents together through movement, rhythm, and shared expression.
“The biggest difference is that these workshops are entirely interactive and pro-social,” says Brandi Rose, Cultural Arts Manager at Ingleside Rock Creek. “They’re designed to uplift, challenge, and connect residents with one another.”
The impact of the program has shown immediate results. “One couple, initially participating in private sessions, enjoyed the experience so much that they decided to join a group experience and spent 45 minutes smiling, laughing, and reconnecting in a shared space,” Brandi shared. “The best part was their looks of love to one another. It meant a lot that they decided to join our group and were comfortable to interact fully.”
Ruth Cogen, an Ingleside Rock Creek resident and member of the WIF development committee, has seen that sense of connection firsthand. “I think it’s interesting because it brings a group together,” Ruth shared. “You have to listen to what other people are doing and integrate it into your own skill level.”
Key Benefits of Music Programming in Senior Living:
The power of music plays a vital role in healthy aging and offers numerous benefits for older adults. Not only can live music evoke memories, lift one’s mood, and aid in helping residents come out of their shell; studies have shown it can also have a plethora of other advantages for seniors including:
- Reduces stress and supports relaxation
- Inspires physical movement
- Improves emotional wellbeing
- Enhances cognitive health
- Increases self-esteem and social confidence
Expanding Access to Music and Arts Through Philanthropy
A unique aspect of IRC’s Music and Wellbeing program is accessibility. Financial support from the foundation ensures residents can participate at no cost, removing a common barrier to high-quality performing arts experiences.ality performing arts experiences.
“Philanthropy has played a vital role in making this vision possible,” Claire Meltzer, Westminster Ingleside Foundation’s Director of Development shared. “It has allowed us to expand programming and create opportunities for residents to engage with music in meaningful ways.”
Funding supports not only weekly programming, but also musical instruments and flexible opportunities for residents to participate in both group and individual sessions.
“These Foundation-sponsored programs are developed collaboratively with residents and leadership,” Claire added. “Since this is their home, resident input is invaluable in ensuring that we create programs that truly enrich their lives.”
The Future of Arts and Wellness in Senior Living
As the senior living landscape continues to evolve, IRC’s Performance & Music Education Program and Music Wellbeing program demonstrates what is possible when life plan communities invest in experiential programming and meaningful community partnerships.
For residents, that experience often begins with something as simple as a song, a shared moment, or a Friday afternoon filled with music.
For residents, the program also reflects a broader view of how the arts support daily life and community. “It’s the arts that are all an important part of the rhythm of life,” Ruth said. “People bring different skills and different thoughts and different needs to the program.”
For more information about IRC’s Performance & Music Education Program and Music Wellbeing program, visit us online or contact us today.