Is Alice approaching her Golden Years?

Is Alice approaching her Golden Years? Well, what are the Golden Years anyway? I'm sure many people would define them in different ways and at different age ranges. Traditionally I think many of his think of retired folks with grandchildren, gray hair, and rocking chairs as the "golden years crowd" but as I approach the beginning of my seventh decade, I find myself increasingly looking forward to that time in my life. I do look forward to having grandchildren all around me and sitting in my rocker with music all around. I look forward to teaching my grandchildren all of my favorite songs and teaching them to play the piano if they want. This to me, is what my Golden Years will be about. What about you?

Is music part of the fountain of youth?

Recently I started doing a music healing group that meets every Saturday for two hours. The group is free so there has been a flood of interested folks. One of the things that I have noticed both in my new group and in concert audience populations at large is that people of all ages love music and an participate in musicmaking their entire lives. Years ago it was pointed out to me that orchestra conductors frequently live into their 80's and 90's and many conert pianists were concertizing well into their 80's. I heard Artur Rubenstein play a fabulous concert in Italy back in 174 when he was 88 andit was as beautiful a recital--and grueling-as I've ever heard.

Personally I choose to believe that staying active in music-making and music listening will keep you yong for your entire life! It's worth a try isn't it?

An exciting evening in Carnegie Hall

Right now I'm in New York City to attend my sister's concert at Carnegie Hall tonight. Earlier today my sister and I walked over to Carnegie Hall to see if we could see some publicity about the concert with her picture and name. We did find it and we were so excited!

Later tonight we attended the conert and it was one of the highlights of my life to date. She was conducting her orchestra and they played Vaugh-Williams, Bartok, and another lesser-known composer. Wish you all could have been there!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

When I was first introduced to the "Riverdance" production, I fell in love with it immediately. As a matter of fact I went to see it/hear it for a fourth time in about a decade the other night, and loved it as much as ever. But the folk music of every country is extremely emotional and moving I think. Many of the famous classical composers used entire folk melodies in their symphonies, quartets and even operas. St. Patrick's Day is associated with loads of beautiful folk music and folks in the Golden Years seem to be very familiar with this repertoire for some reason. Maybe some of the people in the Big Bands introduced "an Irish Lullaby" and "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen?" I'm not sure but it is beautiful music. Enjoy! And enjoy my gift to you! http://www.healingmusicenterprises.com/listmailings/StPatricksDay.htm

Music in the Golden Years, Vegas Style

Well, here I am in gaudy Las Vegas, surrounded by flashing lights and blinging slot machines. I really don't care for Las Vegas but there's a family wedding and I must make the best of it.

One thing I am enjoying is staying at the MGM Grand Hotel and seeing all the old photographs of movie stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Right beside my bed is a huge sultry photographe of a movie star and across from me is Clark Gable with some blond beauty. Of course music is brought to mind with all these photos but the walls are strangely silent, muted so everyone can hear the siren call of the slot machines. Too bad. I prefer Hollywood!

Let Me Call You Sweetheart

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I've been thinking about the classic love songs from the 20's, 30's, and 40's. There are so many beautiful songs that I hesitate to start naming my favorites, but the title of today's posting might give you a hint. How often do you hear the songs that you fell in love to? Are you aware of all the benefits of listening to the music of your courting years? Not only do you relax immediately and take a little min-vacation from all the stressors in your life, but you will sleep better and give your day a little boost of energy. What are your favorite love songs?

Singing the Golden Songs

This past weekend, I went to the assisted living facility in South Carolina where my 81 year-old mother now resides. My mother had asked me to bring some music that her friends might enjoy and so I brought my song books, full of the songs of the 20's, 30's and 40's. We had a great time! I could almost see a musical fountain of youth flowing before my eyes. We started out with "Just a Song at Twilight" and continued on with "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby," "My Buddy" "Shanty in Old Shanty Town" and ended with a rousing rendition of "Happy Days are Here Again!" We had so much fun that all of the residents that night were imploring me to come back the next night and every night!

Singing is such an easy thing to do; you don't even need piano accompaniment but I do think it helps! Singing favorite songs lowers the blood pressure, boosts the immune system, and helps folks eat better and sleep better. You really should give it a try!! What do you think??