Unexpected piano recital
Our residents were delighted when one of our work experience students entertained them by playing the piano
Our residents love listening to music and so were delighted when one of our work experience students entertained them by playing the piano. Anna aged 14, who is a pupil at Matthew Arnold School in Oxford, was spending a week with us learning how to care for older people as part of her work experience.
Little did we know that she was able to play the piano. One day she sat down and enchanted the residents by playing for them whilst they were enjoying their tea and coffee in the lounge. Music brings such joy to so many of us at Fairfield and we loved listening to someone who has such talent, reminding many of us of when we were that age and able to tinkle the ivories ourselves!
It was wonderful listening to Anna play the piano!
Music is particularly important to older people, especially if they sing along too, as it unlocks memories and often kick-starts parts of the brain, helping to bring back recollections of days gone by. Studies on listening to music by the elderly have demonstrated remarkable psychological benefits that include a happier outlook on life, enhanced moods, increased positive emotions and relaxation as well as better social interactions. In general, music also helps promote more positive health with improved sleep patterns and better coordination.
At Fairfield we are lucky to be able to enjoy lots of musical activities, from exercising to music, singing along to the piano accordion to listening to visiting singers and choirs. Tunes and songs always bring back happy memories of our former years.
Listening to people like Anna play our piano for us is very special and we all enjoyed seeing her fingers move across the keys to create such beautiful notes. Anna also plays the violin and will be bringing her violin to play for us soon. What a talented young lady with a gift for music!
