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Music Learning for Older Adults

On this page I have collected a selection of published academic studies which investigate the positive effects of music-making on older adults.

There are five areas listed:

  1. Cognitive Health & Memory

  2. Mental Agility & Executive Function

  3. Physiological Stress Reduction

  4. Vitality & Purpose

  5. Social Cohesion & Loneliness

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  • 1. Cognitive Health & Memory

    Source: Music May Benefit Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment
    Journal: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2021)
    Author: Dorris, J. L., et al.

    Real-world application: Maintaining cognitive health and managing symptoms of mild cognitive decline.

    The finding: An analysis of nine studies involving 495 participants showed that active music-making—such as group singing or drumming—provides a safe, engaging activity that supports cognition, improves mood, and significantly enhances the quality of life for older adults facing cognitive impairment.

    Read the Study

  • 2. Mental Agility & Executive Function

    Source: Beneficial effects of choir singing on cognition and well-being of older adults
    Journal: PLOS One (2021)
    Author: Pentikäinen, E., et al.

    Real-world application: Faster mental processing and better verbal fluency.

    The finding: Neuropsychological testing revealed that older adults who regularly participated in choir singing performed significantly better on tests of verbal flexibility and executive function than their non-singing peers, demonstrating a measurable protective effect against normal age-related cognitive changes.

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  • 3. Physiological Stress Reduction

    Source: Effects of choir singing on physiological stress in Japanese older adults
    Journal: Taylor & Francis (2023)
    Author: Research Team

    Real-world application: Measurable drops in physical stress and anxiety levels.

    The finding: By measuring salivary cortisol levels before and after music activity, researchers found that active singing consistently decreased physiological stress in older adults. Notably, this stress reduction was most pronounced in individuals who had previously reported higher levels of negative emotion and lower baseline cognitive functioning.

    Read the Study

  • 4. Vitality & Purpose

    Source: Can active music making promote health and well-being in older citizens?
    Journal: PMC (2017)
    Author: Creech, A., et al.

    Real-world application: A renewed sense of achievement, purpose, and physical mobility.

    The finding: Extensive interviews and quality of life measures across hundreds of older adults revealed that music-making delivered intense cognitive and health benefits, including increased vitality, feelings of rejuvenation, and improved mental health, which carried forward well into the "fourth age" of life.

    Read the study

  • 5. Social Cohesion & Loneliness

    Source: Comparison of Well-being of Older Adult Choir Singers and the General Population
    Journal: PMC (2013)
    Author: Johnson, J., et al.

    Real-world application: Combating social isolation and improving both physical and psychological well-being.

    The finding: Older adults participating in community choirs reported significantly higher overall quality of life and satisfaction with their health compared to matched controls from the general population, even when factoring in individuals who were highly active in other non-musical hobbies.

    Read the Study
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Testimonials

Testimonial Bank
Meenakshi R. (adult learner)

Matt has been teaching me to play the piano since the past three months. It is an absolute pleasure learning from him.

He beautifully explains the fundamentals of music and tries different techniques to make it easy for the learner. He ensures that the learner understands and can play what is being taught flawlessly.

It is great fun learning from him and I cherish the lessons and the learning experience.

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Uzo N. (adult learner)

I am a singer songwriter and PGCE music student and have been taking lessons with Matt for a couple of months now, with the aim of learning the trumpet but even more importantly to improve my general musicianship.

Matt has from the beginning tailored the lessons in response to my personal needs, making them very effective and enjoyable.

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Heidi M. (adult learner)

I’m an Architect and have no musical experience whatsoever. I’ve been learning the trumpet for 1½ years, having lessons with Matt once a week.

Matt is a great teacher and has a balanced approach to teaching mixing theory, practice and musicianship along with high standards and lots and lots of patience.

I’ve been amazed by what I’ve achieved in a short space of time and I have got such a lot out of it. I would encourage anyone thinking of taking up an instrument no matter what age you are.

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Andrew J. (adult learner)

As an adult learner I've been through quite a few teachers and Matt is by far the best. He believes teaching is an important skill in itself and so takes his own technique very seriously.

He is patient, dogged, and will work on any problem until it is solved, always coming up with new ways to approach an issue. But this is always in a friendly and accessible way.

He pushes you without really seeming to do so, and covers all the bases from musical theory through to physical technique. His lessons are a joy.

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Sandra S. (adult learner)

I've been learning with Matt for almost two years now. He has given me the chance to stretch myself through focusing on a varied and challenging repertoire whilst making sure I develop good technique and sound. His enthusiasm for teaching coupled with encouraging and understanding manner make my lessons always good fun.

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