Page 14 - Gilbert Awards 6-Year Scrapbook

2010 Winner, Creative Expression: Songwriting Works

Educational Foundation - Port Townsend, WA

Songwriting Works Educational Foundation operates internationally providing workshops, trainings, tools,

and respite activities that engage hundreds of elders, families, caregivers and music/arts professionals

each year. Songwriting Works’ mission is to restore health and community through the power of song. In

conjunction with local, regional, and national arts, aging, health and education partners, Songwriting
Works seeks to ensure quality of life for older adults across the cognitive spectrum and to transform the

health and well-being of society. Website: www.songwritingworks.org

Program:

Songwriting Works

The program largely serves elders with

late-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other

dementias, and their families who join

with professional songwriters to collec-

tively compose and perform their own
original songs. Workshops take place at

skilled nursing, assisted living, adult day

and community centers, where partici-

pants guide song development through

story-telling and personal experience, as

songwriters facilitate learning and inter-
action.

New songs are born, reflecting the song-

makers’ character, history and vitality.

Songs are then performed and record-
ed, with elders encouraged to engage

throughout the process (giving input on

song arrangements, performances, and

assisting with production).

“. . . a positive experience
for an otherwise uncom-
I’m OK with
fortable and depressing environment. Now
Dad being in the care center.”

- Caregiving daughter of a Veteran

“[This] is a signiicant honor for Songwriting Works. . . . The funding allowed us to launch our an-

nual community SongFest featuring songs composed by elders living with Alzheimer’s . . . and their

loved ones. We also developed community MusicTeams, a new program that empowers family care

partners to learn the science of how making music improves mental and cognitive health. Thank you

for making so much possible.” - Judith-Kate Friedman, Program Director

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