MUSIC BUDDIES
MUSIC AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN YOUNG AND OLD
What does a meeting look like in which a 17-year-old student and an 82-year-old senior listen to music together, eat sandwiches and talk about life? That's exactly what Music Buddies is all about. In this special project, students from the Social Work program (Summa College) and seniors from WoonincPlusVitalis and/or Lunet meet each other for twelve weeks - with music as a bridge between two generations.
Every week, students hang out with their "buddy," an elderly person who opens up his or her home and heart. People chat, memories are shared, playlists are compiled, instruments are played or a song is sung together. The students gain valuable hands-on experience; the elderly enjoy lively company and unexpected conversations.
From meeting to play
After twelve weeks, everything comes together in a festive conclusion at the Parktheater. The duos take the play to give an insight into their musical journey. Think readings of poems, piano playing, singing and personal stories - all born out of real encounters and shared moments.
"It feels like I have found a spare grandmother and grandfather!"
- Christel (17), Social Work student
Christel worked as Music Maatje with Tiny (72) and Aaltje (82). "With Aaltje, the table is always set to eat a sandwich together." she says. "And with Tiny I can talk for hours about his life." The bond between them has become so strong that they want to keep in touch even after the project.
The power of music and encounters
Muziek Maatjes is an initiative of Club Goud, a social enterprise dedicated to a meaningful old age for everyone. "The beauty of Music Maatjes is the reciprocity," says Marion Peters, project manager of Club Gold Eindhoven. "The elderly flourish through weekly visits and the students discover how valuable contact with seniors can be."
Internship coordinator Michel Frijters also sees the effect:
"Many students start with preconceptions about the elderly, but discover how rich, surprising and inspiring this target group is. Some even choose an internship in elder care afterwards."
Expansion in the making
After the success at WoonincPlusVitalis, together with partners Summa College and care organization Lunet, we are looking at how Music Buddies can also be used in an adapted form for people with a mental disability. The first pilot is encouraging - a nice step towards even more valuable encounters.
Muziek Maatjes is a collaboration with Club Goud, Summa College, Wooninc, Lunet and Parktheater. Together we believe in the power of culture to bring people closer together.
