Continued from page 7 - Its never too late
8 – This is the Life, 2014
After the chat with her girlfriend, Dian visited the Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts and discovered that the school’s vocal coach thought she had potential, so she signed up to take vocal lessons. It was intimidating, to say the least, but Dian persevered, and after a couple of years of singing she broke out her six-string and began taking guitar lessons. That was three years ago, and today she’s having a ball, singing and playing the folk songs she loves, participating in school recitals, and even writing and singing her own songs. “It’s wonderful,” Dian enthuses, “I think music is really good for you; anything that makes you smile is good for you.” Dian says the benefits of taking up music again are manifold. She’s made some really good new friends through the music school, including her guitar instructor, Eduardo. She is pretty certain the budding arthritis in her hands is being kept at bay largely because her fingers are always active. Even the breathing exercises she’s taken up for her singing have helped push back the early stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – a legacy of her days as a smoker. “I think my half hour with Eduardo each week is the best half of the week for me,” she states. “I call him ‘Dr. Edu’ because it’s very cathartic [being there].” Judith Bergthorson, owner of the Academy, says many of the benefits Dian describes are quite common for older people who take up music later in life, or who return to it after a long absence.
A big plus, she says, is the psychological benefit seniors get from their achievements when they take up music. “Many [seniors] are afraid it’s too late [to take up music], and they have a fear of failure,” she says. “So many have been told they can’t sing, or can’t play, that they’re afraid to try. I think the psychological aspect is the biggest hang-up that stops people from taking part.” The beauty of it is that once they get their foot in the door, most people – young or old – find the sense of accomplishment quickly overcomes the fear. “I’m a firm believer that success breeds success, and success spreads to other parts of your life. Besides, music brings joy to people.” Judith relates the story of one student, in his seventies, who has back pain that makes it hard for him to play his clarinet, and yet she can see in his face every time he plays that the music supersedes his physical limitations, and brings joy to his life. “I think music helps people [of all ages] to open up, and to be more of who they really are.” Dian concurs, adding that music has helped her give herself permission to relax. Having more time as a retiree gave her the opportunity to play again, but giving herself permission to slow down meant she could pursue the passion she’s always had for her folk songs. There are lots of opportunities for seniors to add music to their life in this community, says Judith. Music schools, various bands, and choral groups are just some of the options, so there’s no excuse for anyone who wants to be involved, and who’s willing to overcome their fears.
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