Music and the Brain

9/3/2017

Please watch/listen to the YouTube clip entitled “Old Man In Nursing Home Reacts To Hearing Music From His Era.” What do you make of the overall behaviour of Henry (the elderly nursing home patient) before and after he listens to music? What does this interesting case of Henry say about the importance of music education?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKDXuCE7LeQ

42 Comments

Simron Sahota

10/3/2017 09:18:13 am

Before Henry listened to music, he seemed to not be present in the word, to simply be there and that is all. He didn't seem to have a sense of self or enjoyment in anything, therefore he didn't feel the need to speak or anything of the sort. Though after listening to music, Henry seemed to come alive, as he was experiencing again, something which affected him when he was younger. Music seemed to have impacted him tremendously, as now he was able to sing, sway, and be more vocal. His eyes lit up and he was able to now speak, answer simple questions, showing again what an impact music had on Henry, as being a reminder of a time when he enjoyed himself. He was able to remember "the good times" as the saying goes, "the good old days."

The case of Henry goes to show just how important music education is. Music isn't just sounds put together, it creates a feeling, helps to recreate a fond memory. It can clearly touch someone enough to exude emotion, whatever emotion it may be. This is an example of why music education is so vital for students to experience.

Samantha Gowanlock

10/3/2017 01:18:18 pm

In my hometown, the local Alzheimer's society has a program called "iPods for Memories." I've actually donated old MP3 players and iPods to this program. They explain that by providing their clients with iPods, it helps "stimulate memories, provide meaningful engagement and support self-expression and identity." (For anyone who's interested, here's their brochure: http://www.alzheimer.ca/~/media/Files/chapters-on/huroncounty/iPods%20for%20Memories/iPods%20brochure.pdf)

In the video, it was incredible to see the change in the man after listening to music. His attitude and memory had improved. In his case, he had a musical presence throughout his entire life. I believe that similarly, art and plays could be moving for other citizens who are maybe not as connected to music. However, we all listen to music. It's something so universal, that will have an effect on everyone.

Throughout high school, I would play the piano and the guitar at the local nursing home. I believe that, in connection to this video, experiences like that could be linked to the classroom. If your class is musically talented, or your school has a band, a field trip to the local nursing home could be beneficial for both the people there as well as your students.

Kayla Spielmacher

10/28/2017 01:12:44 pm

Hi Sam! Great post! I think that its really interesting that you point out that the arts in general can have a profound effect on people's mood and attitude. For my alternative placement, I volunteered in a Day-Away program for seniors and live music was definitely many of the individuals' favourite part of the day. For those who were physically able, they would stand up and dance in the middle of the room. Many others would be tapping their toes on the floor or moving their arms to the beat of the music. Moreover, most of the clients would also join in in singing to the songs being performed. There was always a change in the mood in the room during music because the clients were being reminded of fond memories whenever music from their past was being performed. Overall, what I am trying to say is that I most definitely seen the impact of music on the moods and attitudes of an elderly population. However, I think that it would be really interesting to see how visual art or theatre impacts people in this same demographic!

akanksha

10/30/2017 05:16:03 pm

hey Sam, great post.
I used to volunteer at the nursing home too and music was a big part of my volunteering so it's really cool to see that you can relate to that too!
I agree that teaching our students this would be really beneficial for others in a community too.

Stefanie Solari

10/31/2017 03:32:58 pm

Great post Sam! It is really great to see you take such an active role in your community, especially with the different ways music has helped those around you. I also agree that music is universal and something that has the potentially to be a vast impact on so many people in different ways.

Kayla Spielmacher

10/28/2017 01:23:08 pm

Henry's behaviour before and after listening to the music was incredibly different. Before the recreational therapist put the music on for Henry, he was described as being quite depressed and reserved. His body language also modelled this in the video because he was looking down, without any expression on his face. He was also described as mostly unresponsive and when he did respond to questions his answers were usually either yes or no. However, after listening to the music, and while he was listening to the music, Henry's demeanour completely changed. While the music was playing, Henry began to sing and move his feet and arms around to the music. His face also changed when listening; his eyes widened, he became more alert and he seemed to be much happier. After they turned off the music to ask him questions, Henry was a lot more willing to offer answers and his answers contained a lot more detail.

This interesting case of Henry tells us that music education is extremely significant because through Henry we can see that music has life-long impacts on people. As they explain in the video, music has the ability to remind Henry of his identity and to transport him back to a more youthful, fulfilled part of his life. The ability to do this lifts Henry's spirits completely. Thus, music education is important because it gives students the opportunity to explore music and to make connections with music that have the ability to serve them for the rest of their lives.

Abigail MacDonald

10/28/2017 02:46:34 pm

Hi Kayla,
I really enjoyed your post and agree with your point that Henry's complete demeanor changed. After listening to his favourite music he was dancing and singing and seemed to come completely to life in a way that he didn't seem capable of before. I also agree that it is important to note that he also began answering questions with passion and seemed to mean everything he said unlike he was doing before with his previous short answers.
I also agree with your point about music being able to transport him to a previous time in his life and it being able to serve someone forever. In the previous discussion we discussed how music impacted us differently throughout our lives and I believe that is one of the unique factors of music that makes it so important and relevant in our lives.

Alexandra Piccoli

11/1/2017 11:40:43 am

Hi Kayla! Great post!

Like yourself, I truly believe that the we develop for music at a young age has life-long impacts on the quality of life we lead. Many of the memories we hold can often be built up with particular musical connections, whether the memories be happy, sad or anything in between. I myself, find music to be a freeing experience. When the nurse played Henry’s music for him on the iPod, you could almost just see Henry let go and appear light and free. This impact gives us the opportunity for experiences that bring us out of the ordinary and into a world of creative freedom and joy.

Simron Sahota

11/1/2017 04:22:16 pm

Hey Kayla,

I like how you specifically chose the word "identity," I couldn't have said it any better. As I believe that music is a part of what crates our identity, and this is exactly depicted through the before and after of Henry's transformation.

Stephanie Alexander

12/5/2017 09:41:49 pm

Hey Kayla,
I totally agree with your post, Henry's overall demeanor completely changed after listening to the music. It was truly moving that it could have this extreme effect on him. You're absolutely correct when you said that music shapes our identity. It helps form who we are and it shapes our journey in life. In Henry's case it completely changed his attitude and outlook.

Abigail MacDonald

10/28/2017 02:34:10 pm

In this video you can clearly see a difference a difference in Henry’s behaviour before and after he listens to his favourite music. Before, Henry seems reserved, unresponsive, and unable to hold a conversation. In a way, it seems as if he has lost himself. After listening to his favourite music he seems to reawaken and is able to communicate and reflect on his past. Through this he is also able to communicate how music has impacted his life and formed him through his religion and more.

This demonstrates the importance and power music has in our lives. Commonly students search for a purpose in why they have to be learning what they are learning. I believe that Henry is an example of how music can be used as a healing method as he was seemingly able to tap into his old self after listening to it. In general, music is a very important aspect in human life that holds many unique qualities. It is capable of healing, defining, and so much more. It is proven to ground us in many ways and is commonly situated with important moments in our lives. All of these are reasons why it is essential within education.

akanksha

10/30/2017 05:17:56 pm

hey abigail you're right about this video really showing the important of music and how powerful it can be in changing someones life.
great post!

Julia Tanedo

10/31/2017 11:58:43 am

Hey Abigail!

I thought it was very fascinating as well how much and how easily music helped Henry. I think that having a connection that deep with music is beneficial because it literally helped him find himself. I agree with everything you said about music education. I think it is something that school should focus on. Music is a powerful aspect of our lives and I think will truly contribute to children development, as it will help them gain personal connections.

Julia Tanedo

10/31/2017 11:55:08 am

After watching Henry’s story, it is evident that music is a powerful tool that changed his behaviour and well being. Before, Henry was very unresponsive, quiet, and disengaged with his surroundings. It appeared that he tends to be reserved, to himself and shuts people off. However, after listening to music, his demeanour seemed more pleasant and lively. He seemed very animated by the music, as he sang and rocked his arms back and forth to the rhythm of the music he was listening to. It is evident that music brought him back to life. During his interview, Henry explained that he loved music during his youth and continues to do so in present day. His behavioural changes were prevalent, as he felt more comfortable talking to others and even being on camera. For example, at a point during the interview, when asked about his favourite singer, he started singing a few lines of his favourite song, which truly shows signs of progression. Ultimately, music restored himself, as it allowed him to remember who he was as an individual.

In relation to Henry’s story, music education plays a key role in the development of an individual. It allows them to gain an authentic connection towards society. In Henry’s case, he shows that an individual can have a strong connection towards music, that it would be able bring back his true sense of self. Music has its unique qualities, as it connects, transforms, and heals individuals. This aspect is something that should always be valued towards music education. Although it is hard to explain how music healed Henry, it shows that the feelings of love and connections he felt helped him transform.

Stefanie Solari

10/31/2017 03:32:26 pm

The difference in Henry’s attitude and behaviour before and after he listens to pieces of his favourite music is inspiring. It truly shows the power music can have in someones life. Henry’s daughter explains that he was always singing and listening to music. he is described as unalive and depressed in the nursing home. Once he hears his favourite music however, his entire personality changes. Henry’s becomes alive, happy, engaged and even after the music stops he still is responsive and involved in conversation. He even explains that he is crazy about music, and that they play beautiful music and beautiful sounds.

Henry’s case reminds us the importance music has in our lives. We associate certain songs or tunes to certain moments and memories of our lives, and has the capability to remind us of these moments even if we forget. It was magical to see how deeply affected and changed Henry was simply by listening to his favourite music. It really makes me interested in finding other similar cases, where music has the ability to truly change someone.

Frances Liang

11/3/2017 05:31:58 pm

Stefanie, you bring up some really good points. I think what you said about associating certain songs to different moments in our life is very accurate and relatable. It's really amazing how a song, which can be seen as completely unrelated to an event, encompass all that that moment represents. Not only that, but how others can internalize multiple different songs to symbolize the same thing. It just speaks to how everyone's experiences are different and how songs can affect everyone in different ways. To be able to attach a single moment in time to a song symbolizes the power of music.

Alex Thomson

11/29/2017 11:14:47 am

Hey Stef,

I also thought it was amazing to see the alterations in Henry’s personality. I believe it reveals the importance in actively listening to music, which is often lost in this ubiquitous era of music. Not only does Henry love the particular songs he was listening to, but it seemed that each song connected him to a memory of the past. I believe that music has an incredible ability to provide connectivity in nearly all aspects of our life and its nostalgic properties in Henry’s case confirm that notion.

Alexandra Piccoli

11/1/2017 11:41:12 am

The tremendous change noticed in Henry during this video was truly warmed my heart. As someone with grandparent in a nursing home who is not very mobile and often very lonely when family cannot visit just like Henry, I truly appreciate the small gestures that have made lives like my Nonno’s and Henry’s a little more joyful. Being able to see someone like my Nonno smile or laugh like he did prior to his transition to a nursing home gives me some peace of mind. Prior to the introduction of music therapy in his life, Henry often appeared drawn and out of touch when in interaction with others in the nursing home. Often expressionless with a closed in body expression, it seems as if he was living simply to exist.

However, once the therapist introduced the iPod to Henry, his demeanour and attitude transformed completely. Not only was he more responsive to conversation with others, his body language became more vibrant and animated. He was swaying, singing and bobbing his head with a purpose and joy. Watching him listen to his music almost gave me a glimpse of a youthful Henry – almost as if we transported into the past. Bringing back these memories and joyful times must be very therapeutic for someone like Henry who can no longer physically participate in such experiences.

The case of Henry shows us how vital it is to facilitate music education. Music education not only helps students greater appreciate the value of music but also helps to build life-long connections to music that they can take with them through each important milestone in life. As we discussed in earlier blog posts, music has the ability to transport us to certain moments in our lives, most often those that were joyful and of happy memory. Music uplifts us, heals us and gives us a sense of self.

Andre Thames

11/1/2017 12:40:12 pm

YES ALEX!

I can relate to this so much. My grandmother is in a similar situation where has very limited mobility. So, at times you’ll catch her thumb twiddling and have her head tilted low. But when visitors come she energy level just shoots up! At times she cannot wrap her hand around who is visiting her, but she is thankful that there is company there to distract her from loneliness. It is a sad reality they must deal with daily however, as mentioned it’s the small things that boost their morale and it brings me so much joy that we provide that joy for them. You highlighted an important aspect to music education and it is the word “milestone” you used. Music has this carry over effect that is essential for our growth as individuals.

Andre Thames

11/1/2017 12:40:41 pm

The Power of Music Education
That was nothing short of beautiful. The end of the video could not explain any less than what the message it was illustrating. “Alive Inside” There is something about music that brings the best out of people. Music is revolutionary, it is not exclusive to people who go to concerts, buy albums, or even make music. Music is an aspect in life that sparks fireworks inside of us telling your brain that the tunes make you want to groove. That was the case with Henry, a quiet and reserved older fellow that every passing day bottled up that youthful spirit that seemed to have disappeared. You can tell by his body language at the 1:13-1:20 mark there is a short snippet of Henry thumb twiddling. My grandmother did this often and according to her and some research: it is the action of twirling one’s thumbs in a circular motion. This is in response to those who do not really have the physical ability to partake in advanced physical activity. So, this helps stimulate the mind and keeps them busy. Once he is given the iPod with his favorite music HE LIGHTS UP. It’s like the “Second Coming” you can feel the break through it is like an anchor was pulling him down. Then all the sudden the anchor that was pulling him down starts to deteriorate as he his breaking free with overwhelming joy. As his eyes start to pop, his hands start swaying, and his voice becomes heard. This just goes to show how POWERFUL music is.
This is a simple reminder of how important music education is. Music is one of the unique devices that can relate to how we are feeling at certain points in our lives. We learn this in Shakespeare with the element of “Pathetic Fallacy” which originated in poetry and made its way through music. Conveying the audience to feel the intended feeling when producing music. An example of this pathetic fallacy is Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” where she states, “Closed off from love, I didn't need the pain once or twice was enough and it was all in vain time starts to pass, before you know it you're frozen” She’s letting the audience know that she’s been through heartbreak and it is hard to recover once put in that state. As the song goes on she explains that no matter what trials and tribulations she went through she sees a new light and can open what was closed off before. That’s the message music can do, whether it relates to you, your neighbour, or your priest. Music is intended to let the audience feel the emotion they are expressing to the world. Personally, Henry is an important step for music education in my opinion because it shows that no matter what age; if approached correctly anyone can break out of their shell to music.

Emma Bishop

11/2/2017 08:59:03 am

Before Henry listened to the music, he was slumped over and did not communicate with others very well - his daughter (I believe) came up to him and was trying to talk but he was unsure of who she was and kept his head down. She said that when she was younger he loved music and was always singing. I think that it is very interesting that something as simple as a song can bring someone back to themselves even if just for a short period of time. Henry really came to life when he listened to the music, he was humming along with the song and he was dancing. The difference that the music makes in Henry is very significant.

I think that this says a lot about the importance of music and of music education. We looked in class at how music makes multiple areas of the brain light up with activity, perhaps when someone like Henry has deteriorated in their mental capabilities music brings that back a little because it is using more parts of the brain. Music can mean something different to each person, and it has a different level of importance to different people; however, if there was a greater emphasis on music education, although music would still mean different things to different people perhaps it would become more important to people in general.

Jenna Schott

11/2/2017 04:21:52 pm

I completely agree with what you have said about the importance of music. I like that you talked about how music is so powerful that a part of our brain is constantly effected by it. I think it says something about its importance when you compare it to other memories or intellectual concepts that might be forgotten in the case of someone like Henry. Not everyone will remember their math facts, history, a novel they read in school or even more integral things like their childhood home or their family but the fact that music has such an impact on every persons life that they will always remember how it made them feel, proves how powerful music education really is in each of our worlds.

Jessica Gascon

11/2/2017 10:20:28 am

Before Henry was introduced to music therapy, he seemed very disconnected from the world and those around him. It is sad to see someone lose their ability to interact with the world around them. Story telling is such a big part of establishing and maintaining your history and your identity. As you grow older it becomes more difficult to recall the stories that impacted and built your life.

Since music is played in the background of your life almost constantly, often times certain songs and melodies can trigger a memory. As we can see in the video, Henry is able to regain a connection with those around him. This is all thanks to a single song that triggered a memory that had been lost. Through music, Henry is able to share his history and reclaim a part of his identity. Clearly music plays an integral part in activating the brains ability to retain and recall information. For this reason music education should be promoted as a way to improve students memory if used appropriately within a classroom or at home. Furthermore, music is clearly tied to different events and emotions felt by people at different points in time. Thus lending to a greater understanding of history and culture.

Michael Lynch

11/4/2017 09:14:59 am

Very cool connection to the previous discussions. I completely agree that schools should be looking into ways to implement music into the curriculum more. There are so many obvious benefits of having music in the classroom, and it seems the more you think about it, the more opportunities arise!

Jenna Schott

11/2/2017 04:14:42 pm

In the beginning of this video when we are introduced to Henry, he is shown as very unresponsive, slightly depressed and almost not alive in a sense as he is slumped over in his wheelchair and struggles to convey emotion or intellectual thoughts. As soon as Henry is exposed to the music from his past however, he immediately lights up and face gains an immense amount of expression. Henry becomes animated by the music and is brought to life and as a sign of this alertness, he begins to sway and sing along to what he is hearing. You can plainly see that this music is allowing him to relive his life experiences and to recollect on one of his greatest passions in life. Through the music, he was able to remember who he was before he became sick and entered the nursing home.
I have personally seen the same case as Henry when my own grandfather was in the nursing home. He had severe Alzheimer’s to the point where he no longer remembered my father, his son. When we would go to visit him, I would play Merle Haggard songs on my phone and he would immediately light up and begin telling us stories about the shows and dances his western/bluegrass band used to perform at.
Through my own experience and Henry’s interesting case, I truly believe that it directly proves how important music education is in a person’s life. In this video, music is a part of Henry’s identity that he did not even recognize within himself until he heard the sounds. Music is an integral part in all of our lives that can make up a part of our individual identity. Music can teach us about valuable life lessons; love, heartbreak, loss, empathy, struggles, pain and so much more.

Rachel McHolm

11/5/2017 05:01:32 pm

Hi Jenna,
I really enjoyed your post! Your story about your grandfather is very touching and i think that it is amazing how you were able to use music to connect with him and get him to light up and share his stories! I also agree with you that music is an integral part in all of our lives and can make up a part of our identity and that it can teach us important life lessons.

Emma Bowen

11/3/2017 06:21:05 am

Videos like this really bring a tear to my eye. Its a joy to watch Henry go from being almost consciously comatose to singing and moving via the use of music. Its so crazy to think about what music can bring out in people. It has the power to bring life to faded eyes and bring people together. From what I understand, growing old can be very lonesome, and then when you throw in the countless struggles Henry deals with like seizures, depression, etc., it almost looked like he was losing the will to live. This reminded me of last year when my Grandad was struggling with an infected eye that was causing him excruciating pain. Dealing with pain daily wears down on anyone, let alone those in a more vulnerable and fragile state. My Grandad just sat there in pain, he wasn't able to do all of the things he enjoyed like reading, TV, curling, walking, etc. He got so depressed we almost brought him back to the hospital. Henry is not only in a nursing home already, but he also deals with the seizures which make him pretty nonverbal. That's gotta be isolating. But to see the discovery and joy reflected in his face and movements and to hear him speak afterwords like he was speaking all along was wonderful. The second thing I thought of is how at every stage of life, music impacts and shapes us. When parents put headphones on a pregnant belly and they say babies can hear everything and recognize voices, that's the power of music. Everyone loves music of a certain genre or variety, its just striking the right chord to awaken something that may have been lost for a long time. Hearing Henry reciting words of songs that weren't even played on the iPod just shows the depth the music hit, and it was remarkable to see.

Frances Liang

11/3/2017 05:24:22 pm

Prior to listening to the music, it is obvious that Henry is unresponsive physically and mentally. You can see through his body language that it is as if he shuts the world out. However, upon listening to the music, his entire demeanor and body changes, as if the music has a transformative power over him. He is no longer the lonely man closed up in his own world, but an interactive, lively individual who is able to communicate his feelings through his facial expressions, body and words. I think this speaks to the power of music and the importance of music education. Often times, school is so heavily focused on the core subjects of Math, English and Science that we forget about the importance of all the other subjects and the value they add to a child’s education. Subjects such as math and science are content based and highly dependent on whether students are able to memorize content or not. Music on the other hand opens doors for students that the core subjects simply cannot. It is lively and calm, loud and soft, relatable and empathetic. Music opens the mind to more than just equations and memorization. It helps build relationships and instills confidence in students by allowing them to relate to the music and critically analyze how it affects others and themselves. It provides students, who do not excel in the traditional reading, writing and arithmetic, an opportunity test their potential and enjoy learning.
It is obvious that music has very specific impacts on listeners. For Henry, it gave him a chance to enjoy life once again. For students, it may provide them with a chance to learn with passion and express themselves in ways that subjects such as math cannot.

Michael Lynch

11/4/2017 09:12:15 am

The difference seen in henry, before and after he listened to music is astounding. When we first encounter him in the video, his head is down, he doesn’t make eye contact with anyone, and he is clearly depressed. The Doctor in the video claimed that he is essentially mute. However, after listening to some of his favourite music, his entire body lights up. Henry begins shaking his feet, moving his body, and audibly singing to the music. Henry goes from not answering a single question, to talking about his childhood love of music and so on. This is truly inspirational, and I believe shows us just how much we still do not understand about the power that music has. It makes you wonder how many other people, just like Henry, would benefit and really be transformed by music. As an educator it makes me wonder how many children have just been written off as helpless, or having a learning disability would really just need a chance to hear music and move. I know from my own personal experience, when my teachers would allow me to work with an iPod on, my productivity would sky rocket. This is a result of just needed some stimulation to be able to get to work. If I was not able to listen to music I would just go crazy inside. I know that there are countless others who would benefit from having music in their life, and it is something that needs to be researched and implemented. This video really speaks to the importance of music education.

Lauren Roberts

11/8/2017 10:30:00 am

Mike, I love your point about being able to listen to music while doing school work. I am the same way. I feel I am way more productive when I have something to focus on, that being music. The silence drives me crazy, and it would cause me to talk to people instead of focusing on what I needed to, but if I had headphones in and music on, I was able to focus and actually get my work done. It really does show the importance of music education.

Rachel McHolm

11/5/2017 04:41:39 pm

After watching the YouTube clip entitled “Old Man In Nursing Home Reacts To Hearing Music From His Era” I feel that Henry’s behavior greatly altered after he listens to the music. Prior to hearing music from his era Henry was hardly responsive and often looking down at his hands with no expression on his face. However, after the therapist placed the headphones on his ears he became quite responsive and began to move his head, arms, and legs. As well his expression changed as he looked very happy and excited to be listening to music. Furthermore, after listening to songs from his era Henry is able to answer simple questions asked to him by the interviewer and makes comments regarding his musical interests such as naming his favourite band and song. Prior to listening to the music, it appears Henry would not have been willing or able to participate in this form of question and answer period as he appeared somewhat dazed and unable to hold a conversation.
The interesting case of Henry in my opinion demonstrates the healing quality of music and its power to connect people to their memories and the world around them through sound. As Henry transformed from being unresponsive and sad to lively and joyful after hearing music it is clear that music had the ability to remind him and his body of happier times. As after Henry hears a song on the iPod he is able to sing and recall memories it is clear that music has left a lasting impression upon him. Therefore, Henry’s case demonstrates the importance of music education as music therapy has proven to be successful in aiding people who suffer from illnesses such as dementia and thus should be further explored by future generations. As teachers we have the ability to educate our students as to how powerful music can be in a person’s life and how it can aid people in multiple ways.

Ashley Nelson

11/12/2017 01:34:40 pm

Hi Rachel,

I agree with your opinion that Henry's story shows the impact music can have on an individual. I like how you analyzed his story as music being a healing quality as you said and how it connects people to memories. I have never viewed music therapy as being increasingly beneficial, but as you have mentioned it helped Henry greatly with his dementia and he was able to easily recall memories without the help of others and simply through sounds. I also agree that being future teachers we will be able to educate students further about the lasting impact music can have on individuals and this should be emphasized more often.

Lauren Roberts

11/8/2017 10:27:15 am

Before Henry got to listen to the iPod, he was very quiet, and unresponsive. He could hardly answer a yes or no question. He always had his head down on his hands. But once they gave him the iPod, he came alive again. The music completely changed his behaviour. He now had his head up, his eyes were opened wide, and he was moving along to the music. He was humming to the music as well. They took the iPod away to ask a few questions, and he just lit up. He went from not talking to talking their ear off about music. It was amazing to see.

Henry's case just displays how important music education is. It allows students to express themselves. Music can be used to express your feelings in so many different ways. The way you move to the music (dance), sing, interpret the lyrics. All of those are examples of how you can express yourself with music. It allows students, especially those who are quieter and might not like to talk, to be able to express themselves. It was so amazing to watch Henry open up like he did when he listened to music. It will be amazing to see what we can do as teachers with music and how our students will react.

akanksha

11/10/2017 11:03:28 am

This video truly amazed me because it showed the power of music more than other video I have watched so far. When I used to volunteer at a local senior home, there was one lady that would only react if there was music playing. At that time, I didn’t think much of it, I would just sit beside her while she attempted at playing the piano. She had Alzheimer’s because she would recognize me by me singing “somewhere over the rainbow” because that is what we would always sing together. It was amazing that music could help trigger her memory in order to make connections.

This video emphasizes the importance of music education because students should know that music is one more way of connecting with people. We always talk about how to communicate without words, well music should be taught for that reason too!

Hannah Weaver

11/21/2017 01:26:28 pm

Hey Akanksha,

You brought up a really important point when you talked about how a lady connected you with the song Somewhere Over The Rainbow. It shows how music has the ability to connect and bring us together. For students who struggle with communication, music would be a creative strategy in aiding these students.

Ashley Nelson

11/12/2017 01:41:57 pm

Henry's story greatly emphasizes the benefits music can have on individuals regardless if they have issues that would impact their ability to enjoy it. Despite Henry having dementia, music served as a method to help him recall memories, which allowed him to become more positive and enjoy life more. Due to his condition, Henry was very unresponsive and showed qualities of depressive behaviours. However, this is understandable since it would be difficult and frustrating for someone to be constantly reminded of aspects of their life from others and not being have to remember it for themselves. When Henry discovered the impact of music and how specific sounds would help him recall memories, this allowed him to become more confident and began to be self-reliant on remembering his own memories. This emphasizes how moving music can be and how it leaves a lasting impact on our lives. A song as simple as it can be can influence so may emotions and can speak to an individual in methods they do not realize until they hear it again years down the road. Music can be used as a positive outlook for individuals and should be utilized in education since music can influence us without realizing it and by using it through meaningful ways can cause lasting impacts on students.

Hannah Weaver

11/21/2017 01:23:42 pm

At the beginning of the video, we see Henry's attitude and behaviour before he is exposed to music. He is essentially non verbal, he was quiet and unresponsive. He always had his head bent over with his hands. He didn't seem to be reacting or interacting with the world. After he was introduced to music again, you can see the difference, it was like night and day. He was no longer slouched over. He was moving in his wheelchair, humming to the song that he was listening to. What made me really happy was when his daughter (I think) was asking him questions about the music and seeing how much he lit up when he was reflecting on music and his childhood.

Henry's case displays the importance of music education because it shows how music can aid people in coming out of their shell. It is a method in helping people connect with the world and their feelings. Also like shown in the video, it displays how music has a healing concept. For henry, it is helping him cope with his mental capabilities.

Alex Thomson

11/29/2017 11:14:05 am

Before Henry listened the music provided to him for this video, he seemed very unanimated. It looked as if he was there but not there at the same time… Like he was mentally unaware and low energy. He could barely muster up words to have a conversation and he physically did not seem to be reactive to what was going on around him. I cannot diagnose him but he obviously has some mental struggles going on in his old age. It is also seemed that he didn’t have much memory or awareness based on his initial interaction.

Once he listened to music, nearly every aspect of him changed. He became more positive, he began to move around more and act a little more animated. His speech improved… or at least he found the energy to speak in general. He still had difficulties answering some questions but his responses were exceptionally improved in terms of quality and quantity. He was even able to recall memories linked to the type of music he listened to.

This case revealed the deeper powers of music. We talked about how performing music seemed to be the misconceived idea of what music education is as a whole, but this video shows that there are other beneficial forms of music education as well. To illustrate, listening and responding to music is also essential in terms of truly understanding music – and it is evident that Henry understands that value. He understands that music conveys a message, evokes feelings, and brings the world together through its connective properties. Overall, if we can see the value that music holds over Henry and we adopt that appreciation ourselves, the idea of music education would be much more respected.

Rebecca Perez

12/3/2017 08:55:56 am

Hey Alex! I agree, the quality and quantity of how he communicated and addressed questions was improved once music was in the picture. I agree completely about the deeper power of music and the importance to address and understand that music is not always about creating it, but making meaning and responding to it. As educators, we need to show students the value of music and prompt them to make meaning with it. This is the only way music education will get improved- if school boards, ministry of education and all teachers understand the true fundamental importance of music and how it can have an everlasting impact in our lives, more than any math or language arts lesson will ever have.

Sarah Brown

11/29/2017 06:48:25 pm

Music has a huge impact on the mind and Henry is a great example of this. Before Henry listened to the music, he as mute, disconnected, and closed off. He clearly struggled to communicate with those responsible for his care. After listening to music for some time, he demeanor changed drastically. He becomes much more vocal, explaining why he likes music and how important it is to him. He is more open to answering questions and discussing his thoughts and feelings. As explained in the video, Henry gets his identity back for a little while.
Henry’s case tells a lot about the importance of music education. Firstly, we have to understand that as we expose students to music we leave them with knowledge that can have lasting impressions on them. We have the possibility of teaching something that can remain as part of their identity forever. Henry is able to connect with music because he valued it before he become sick. As mentioned, when he was healthy he used to always sing and listen to music. As teachers we have the opportunity to build this foundation for our students that can be used, built upon and revisited later.
We also learn that music education has importance for more than just children pursuing the arts. In Henry’s case, music was used in a medical and psychological way. The power of music lies beyond sensory pleasure, it has deep cognitive benefits as well. While Henry enjoyed listening to the sounds, and he felt they were beautiful, he also became more confident after listening to the music for a while. This is different from the typical perception that music is only good for students looking to pursue music as a career. But music teaches creativity, which is clearly needed in situations like the one Henry is in.

Rebecca Perez

12/3/2017 08:52:02 am

Henry’s change in behaviour before and after listening to the music was inspiring. I did not expect for their to be such a difference. Before the music, Henry was passive, depressed, unresponsive and reserved. You can tell in the video his body language expressed this unresponsive and reservation as he kept his head down and did not talk much. After the iPod was given to him and was playing his music from his days, he immediately lights up and begins to move, rock and sing. The music animated him and brought him back to life. He was looking up and answering questions. This shows the power music has on our lives Music has this power to bring you back to the person who are, no matter what is going on (i.e. illness, old age). Music transported Henry back to a happier part of his life and gives him the opportunity to relive his memories.
Henry’s case emphasizes the importance of music education in our day-to-day classrooms. Here we can set he life-long impacts on people that music makes.As future educators, we need to ensure to appropriately include music education in our classrooms so we give all our students the opportunity to explore and make connections with music. Students need to be given an opportunity to see what music can do to their lives and how they can use music to identify who they are.

Stephanie Alexander

12/5/2017 09:41:06 pm

In the beginning of the video Henry seemed depressed, sad, unresponsive, and a little "out of it". It was as if he wasn't aware or "present" in the world around him. While answering there was no emphasis or action, just simple yes or no answers. There was no real excitement or connection to his responses. However, during and after listening to the music, his attitude and persona completely changed. It was almost as if a different person had overcome him. While the music was playing he was singing, tapping his feet and moving around. This sudden burst of life took over him; he became more alert, responsive, and was overall happier. After turning off the music and asking Henry more questions he seemed more willing and eager to answer questions and participate. Just having him listen to old music opened him up and allowed him to become more positive and attentive in that situation
As we can see through Henry, music education has extreme impacts on people through their entire lives. The songs that Henry listened too probably brought back a flood of memories and emotions that had a positive influence on him throughout his life. I know that this is the same case with my grandparents and parents when driving in the car and old songs come on the radio; they are happier and share their memories they have from when that song was popular. The fact that music is powerful enough to have that affect a "pull" over people is so amazing and inspirational to see. Overall, music education gives everyone the opportunity to connect and "feel" music, allowing for people to have connections and memories as a result of music.

Music and the Brain

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