But as I gained more experience working with children, I had a change of heart. Helping them achieve their goals through music is what brought me the most joy, so I pursued an internship that served mainly children. From that point on, it was clear that I had found my dream population.
Fast forward a little over 10 years to this past December, when my private practice was contacted by a memory care center in a nearby city. They wanted to offer music therapy services to their residents as soon as possible, and I surprised myself by offering to personally take on the contract for the time being.
Although I’ve been working to lessen my direct service load, I’ve also felt that there was something missing from my professional life. Returning to the population that drew me to music therapy seemed like the perfect way to recharge my batteries.
Working with this group of older adults each week has been a game changer! They are a lovely bunch of people, as is the staff at the senior living center. Everyone is incredibly supportive of music therapy, and the residents are so enthusiastic about our time together. I’m using my skills in a way I haven’t been able to when working with children, and I’ve had the opportunity to grow my repertoire for older adults.
So as someone who is new to the world of music therapy with older adults, I thought it might be helpful for others in my shoes to share the songs I’ve been singing with this group. Initially, I was a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start, but as soon as I began gathering music, the process unfolded very naturally.
This collection of songs covers a wide range of genres and decades, and so far it has been very well-received! My top 30 from the collection (in alphabetical order, including the composer and/or artist who made it famous) is as follows.
- “A Bushel and a Peck” (Frank Loesser – Guys & Dolls)
- “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” (Irving Berlin)
- “Beyond the Sea” (Bobby Darin)
- “Blue Skies” (Irving Berlin)
- “Blue Suede Shoes” (Elvis Presley)
- “Chattanooga Choo Choo” (Glenn Miller Orchestra)
- “Close To You” (The Carpenters)
- “Come Together” (The Beatles)
- “The Crawdad Song” (Traditional Folk)
- “Day By Day” (Stephen Schwartz – Godspell)
- “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” (Andrews Sisters)
- “Eight Days a Week” (The Beatles)
- “From This Valley” (The Civil Wars)
- “The Glory of Love” (Benny Goodman)
- “I’m a Believer” (Neil Diamond/The Monkees)
- “I’ve Got the World on a String” (Frank Sinatra)
- “Joy to the World” (Three Dog Night)
- “L-O-V-E” (Nat King Cole)
- “Love Me Do” (The Beatles)
- “My Girl” (The Temptations)
- “My Favorite Things” (Rodgers/Hammerstein – The Sound of Music)
- “Put On a Happy Face” (Adams/Strouse – Bye Bye, Birdie)
- “Shake, Rattle & Roll” (Bill Haley & His Comets)
- “Singin’ in the Rain” (Gene Kelly)
- “Stand By Me” (Ben E. King)
- “The Tennessee Waltz” (Patti Page)
- “This Little Light of Mine” (Traditional Gospel)
- “Under the Boardwalk” (The Drifters)
- “Walkin’ After Midnight” (Patsy Cline)
- “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” (Lerner/Loewe – My Fair Lady)
Because the ages of the residents in my group span so many years, I wanted to make sure there is a little something for everyone. It’s so much fun to see who responds to which songs, especially when that includes coming over to the piano and singing their hearts out with me.
I’ve also included quite a few of the songs I’ve adapted and written in my older adult sessions, and they have been exceptionally well-received. It’s been a lot of fun changing things up from the typical older adult repertoire that we (myself and my residents) are so used to, and I would love to pass along some of the songs in this collection with you.
I chose 3 of the songs in my collection of originals and adaptations to share with you in my L&L for Older Adults starter pack, which is completely free.
I would love to continue growing my collection of music therapy songs for older adults, especially with the help of those who have much more experience than me when it comes to working with this population. Now that I’ve shared my list with you, which songs would YOU add to it?
Que Sera, Sera and Oh What A Beautiful Morning are two of my favorites!
Ooh, good ones! Thank you, Amanda!
Where can I get colorful sheer scarves like those?
Hi Taunya! I get these scarves here:
https://bearpawcreek.com/shop/movement-props/chiffon-scarf-sets/movement-scarves-set-12/
From 1883, “There is a Tavern in the Town” is one of the favourites for seniors I play for.
Some of my favorites:
* Night and Day – Frank Sinatra
* At the Hop – Danny and the Juniors
* Stormy Weather – Lena Horne
* Don’t Fence Me In – Cole Porter
* Hey, Good Lookin’ – Hank Williams (also “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Your Cheating Heart”)
* That’s Amore – Dean Martin
LOVE all of these! Thanks so much for adding to my list, Liz!
This is a wonderful list. My seniors choir has aikso enjoyed Sixteen Tons, Your Cheatin’ Heart, If You Knew Susie Like I Know Susie, Let There Be Peace on Earth, God Bless America.
Thank you so much for the wonderful additions, Shirley!
Where can i get the music you stated as im in need of old songs
I run a dementia support group and include living carers to socialise with others and play games got music bingo but in need of some old songs and the fabric for them to shake can u help
Hi Karen, I have compiled the music for these songs from a variety of sources, including online sheet music and chords sites and songbooks. I am working on putting together a playlist, so I will keep you posted!
Oh how that would be wonderful…let me know when it’s ready…❤️
ROUTE 66 , IT HAD TO BE YOU , YOU BELONG TO ME, UNDER THE BOARDWALK, NEVERTHELESS, YOU’LL NEVER KNOW , SHAKE RATTLE & ROLL, WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN
You are my sunshine
Leaning on a lamp post
Yes, how could I forget “You Are My Sunshine” :) And I hadn’t heard “Leaning on a Lamp Post” but just listened — what a fun song. I will definitely be learning it! Thanks, Naomi!
I just started singing with a group of women at retirement communities. A few of the songs you listed were in our repertoire, but here are a few others that went over well: Zippity Doo Dah, Catch a Falling Star, Memories are Made of This, Love and Marriage, watching All the Girls Go bBy, Fever, and Que Sera Sera. We also did That’s Amore and The Tennessee Waltz.
Thank you, Ronnie! These are fantastic additions.
“Leaning on the Lamp Post” is so fun!
-Red River Valley
-Blue Moon
-Let Me Call You Sweetheart
-Shake, Rattle and Roll
-Somewhere Over the Rainbow
-Love Me Tender
-What a Wonderful World
-This Land is Your Land
-Country Roads
Some of these “older” songs, but I find the senior populations I work with love and know them well. “You Are My Sunshine” still ranks a top favorite. It’s the most requested song I get!
This is a great list, Alexis! Thanks so much! I do have some of these in my rotation already, but I hadn’t even thought of a few of them. And yes, “You Are My Sunshine” is a favorite amongst ALL populations, it seems :)
A couple more!
Tonight You Belong To Me
Old Cape Cod
Fly Me to the Moon
Hi Susan! <3 I'm only familiar with the last one, so thank you for introducing me to some new tunes!
I’ve been singing at Memory Care Centers for 20 years. They like songs they learned as children…these are the ones that get the most participation: You Are My Sunshine, Home on the Range, My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, When the Saints Go Marchin In, How Great Thou Art, and Jingle Bells.
These are some of my favorites!
– April Showers
– Beer Barrel Polka
– By the Light of the Silvery Moon
– Five Foot Two
– Getting to Know You
– Let Me Call You Sweetheart
– Look for the Silver Lining
– Moon River
– My Wild Irish Rose
– Side by Side
– Smile
– Wait til the Sun Shines Nelly
– When the Red Robin Comes Bobbin Along
– Write Myself a Letter
– Anything patriotic (America the Beautiful, My Country Tis of thee)
Ooh, these are all so good!! Thanks so much, Shannon!!
A few of my favorites are:
School Days
The Band Played On
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Anything from “The Sound of Music”
On the Sunny Side of the Street
Great additions! Thanks, Amanda!
Show me the way to go home
5’2 eyes of blue
You’re nobody till somebody loves you
Darktown Strutters Ball
Cheek to Cheek
What a wonderful world
Somewhere over the rainbow
I’ll be seeing you
It had to be you
Thanks so much for your additions, Demeko!!
Annie’s Song
Make the World Go Away
How Deep Is Your Love
Wind Beneath My Wings
Hey Jude
Blue Skirt Waltz
Somewhere My Love (Love Theme from Dr.Zhivago)
Maria Tonight and I Feel Pretty from West Side Story
Besame Mucho
Green Eyes
(both english and spanish
Golden Earings
La Vie En Rose (english and french)
Al Di La (english and italian)
HAPPY SINGING!!!!!
Deep in the Heart of Texas has a great rhythmic component. Patriotic songs during national holidays like God Bless America. A live or recorded version of Grand Old Flag for movement activity. I bought flags from the dollar store. I used a stretchy or connect-a-band also for movement interventions…. clients support each other, feel connected and improves social awareness.
Thank you so much for these awesome ideas, Linda! I learned Deep in the Heart of Texas back in middle school and still find myself humming it from time to time. Will definitely be adding to my list!
I always wondered if people outside of Texas sing Deep in the Heart of Texas! This makes me smile!
We Illinoisans love Texas (and Texans!) ;)
Oh Clementine
She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes
Bye bye blackbird
Great ones! Thanks, Julianna :)
Folks have captured so MANY good songs to add to yours. I’ll throw in a couple more:
-Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah
-Hey Good Lookin’
YES! Great additions. I have been reading your blog and have learned so much about working with older adults…thank you, JoAnn!
I sing with a group that goes to nursing homes in a small town outside of Dallas, Tx.
Thank you for your song suggestions, many spark memories.
Several songs listed are on our playlist
One song we enjoy singing is Moon River I didn’t look to see if it was mentioned.
Recently I tuned to an old movie station that was showing Stand By Me after watching I went to You Tube for Ben E. King singing the song which I’ll mention to our director for inclusion.
Blessings
“Moon River” is a great addition! Thank you, Wayne! And “Stand By Me” is always a favorite, I hope you are able to use that one as well :)
On the way to cape May
A bicycle built for two
The Naughty Lady on Shady Lane
My Boyfriends Back
Yellow Submarine
All My Lovin
These boots are made for walking
Thank you, Michele!!
“Take me out to the ball game”
“It’s been a long, long time”
Both of these were alway favorites with the Alzheimer’s patients I worked with.
Thanks so much, Melissa!!
What a great story, Rachel! Happy you are back working with the population that drew you to music therapy to begin with. I used to work with older adults twice a month, and though I could never do this work 5 days a week, I do miss those bi-weekly groups.
“What Would You Do With a Drunken Sailor?” was always one of my favorites to use when I worked with elders… I would open the question up for each of them to answer, and we’d get every answer under the sun–from “I’d drown him!” to “I’d give him a bath and a nice cup of hot coffee.” Lots of laughs had by everyone. : )
Thanks so much, Jess! It has been a wonderful experience so far! Having the group once a week is a really nice change of pace.
Now I totally want to try this song with my group and see what kind of answers they come up with! Haha, how fun! Thank you for sharing :)
Has anyone mentioned “Danny Boy?” I love melodies from Ireland and Scotland.
Surprisingly, no! Thank you, Chantal — will definitely add this to my list.
Two of my dad’s favorites:
“King of the Road” Roger Miller
“The M.T.A. Song” Kingston Trio
Thank you, Nancy!!
I fon’t yhink anyone has mentioned these tunes:
Daisy, Daisy (Bicycle Built for Two)”- just the chorus, “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”, “Amazing Grace”, “I Walk the Line”, “Sentimental Journey”, “KKKKaty”, “Leaving On A Jet Plane”, I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”, “Home on the Range”, “Earth Angel”, “Happy Trails”, anything Elvis, “Blowing in the Wind”.
You’re right, Jessica — these are all wonderful additions! Thank you! :)
Hit the Road Jack
Do you have your songs recorded b/c i think my residents would love them
16 Ton by Tennessee Ernie Ford
Jesus Loves Me
Sweet Caroline
Thanks, Lisa!!
Here are a few more songs:
Sentimental Journey
Blue Moon
Harrigan
Mary is a Grand Old Name
Don’t Fence Me In
Girlfriend of the Whirling Dervish
You’ll Never Know Just How Much I love You
Little Nellie Kelly
Yankee Doodle Boy
Give My Regard to Broadway
You Made Me Love You
Little Grass Shack
Rum and Coca Cola
Pretty Baby
Moon Over Miami
True Love
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
These are wonderful additions! Thank you, Fran!
Forever and ever, Perry Como
Good one! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing! I’m an MT-BC as well, working with older adults. I am always looking for new intervention ideas!
You’re welcome, Kendyl! Thanks for checking it out, and I hope it inspires some new ideas!
How can I purchase 30 Songs – Singing With Older Adults? Thank You, Kathy Cole
These are wonderful songs! I was at an event at a Senior Home yesterday, and thought of the Nickolodean Song. Thank you!
Those were the days, my friend
❤️❤️
Im glad you picked some music that was NOT from the 1920s and 1930s! Anyone born after about 1945 listened to music from the 1960s to 1980s. My husband has Alzheimer’s and was born in 1948 but so many people assume people in memory care facilities want music from his parents era. People from that era are mostly already dead!
Linda, this is such an important point! Thank you for this reminder, which is especially helpful for newer professionals who are just starting to learn and grow their repertoire for memory care facilities. ❤️❤️
I so agree with Linda’s comment. Although I was exposed to Frank Sinatra through my parents, I am still a baby boomer. We have to remember that “older” people grew up with a rich music selection. People I work with love to either sing or dance to “So Happy Together,” “Sugar, Sugar,” “Proud Mary,” just about anything from The Monkees, “Smile a Little Smile for Me,” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” Google songs from the 60’s and you will find some excellent music to use. Also, I have good luck with a lot of the music from the 80’s also.
Thank you for all the great selections! Here’s a few more…
Ain’t She Sweet
When You’re Smiling
When You Wore a Tulip
Heart of my Heart
Ma He’s Making Eyes at Me
Red Roses for a Blue Lady
Me & My Gal
Margie
Down By the Riverside
When the Saints Go Marching In
Bill Bailey
Sit Right Down & Write Myself a Letter
Hello Dolly
These are wonderful additions!! Thanks so much for expanding the list :)
I am trying to have singing time during this lock in. Don’t have permission yet for the seniors in my building which is quite big to sit by their windows on Sunday at 3 and sing some songs they know. Love some of the ideas but will need to type up the words. Any suggestions to this idea would be helpful. They do it in NY every evening but this New Jersey.
Great music selections from yesteryear!
Long Ago And Far Away
I Got You Babe
New York New York
Hi Rachel – visit bradfordsoland.com for our list of tunes we (Right Side of the Boat) play in care homes. I’m finding that a lot of folks in So. Az LOVE the classic country songs, especially the “Highwaymen”(Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, etc.) and have to keep adding more to our repertoire. Thanks for sharing your songs and posting this thread – always in search of what works!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your link and input…yes, the more ideas, the better!
Check out the Melody Lane Sing Along Videos/DVDs- endorsed by Alz Society within screen lyrics AND 150+ images to describe the song lyrics
Performed in a key and at a pace Seniors can follow
Do you have these songs in a book? As I only play by music and would enjoy doing different songs with my elder patients.
Hi Cheryl – unfortunately, I don’t have them in a book, just a variety of chord sheets and lead sheets that I’ve either found in books or online. When I find a song, I create a PDF and then put it in my iPad app, Gigbook, for use in sessions.
Thank you for your advice. I will research and find those chords to songs we can use.
You’re welcome! I use the website Ultimate Guitar to find chords to just about every song. Hopefully you’ll find it to be a helpful resource, too.
I highly recommend “Get America Singing… Again” vol 1&2 for most of these songs. It’s interesting to read how music educators chose songs for the book.
We have to do an outreach session for a senior home this semester, and we’ve been told that we tend to do too many sing alongs, so I’m trying to include more activities such as guess that tune. We have a big group, so it’s difficult to do something improvisatory with instruments or scarves because we don’t have enough. Any other ideas on what we can do with a big group?
Hi Sarah, that is a struggle for us, as well. With bigger groups, we do a lot of singing, but also try to incorporate discussion and reminiscing related to the songs we sing. Shakers and scarves are our go-to instruments and props since we have stocked up on enough to serve these big groups, but sometimes we’ll also use a small stretchy band and go from person to person, giving each a turn with it (opposite the therapist). Name that tune is great, and we also do musical bingo — that’s a really fun one but also requires having lots of materials (bingo cards and chips) on hand.
Hi Sarah – I do 2-3 music groups per week at 4pm on an Alzheimer’s unit. Our big focus is to build community and the sense of being part of that…being known, feeling like you know others. We often talk as much as we sing. I ask a lot of questions and call on individuals – I NEVER pass out song sheets.
Here are a few of the things I do to keep them invested and engaged:
1- Pick a year from your life that was a good one. (we vary the question based upon the resident’s ability to answer) I then check to see if I have a song in my collection (i’ve got it indexed by year) from that year. I may also ask the resident why it was a good year.
2- Pick a letter from the alphabet (my collection I work from is alphabetized by song title)
3 – Pick a number between 1 and …. we sing the song on that page.
4 – Focus on a genre such as “Broadway Musicals” talk about what ones they’ve seen, pick a particular composer……or subject matter (lullabyes for mothers’ day, etc.)
5 – Use their bodies to create the rhythm – patting knees, clapping hands
6 – Substitute their own material for the song’s material “Let me call you sweetheart” ask them what they call(ed) their own sweetheart.
7 – “Roll out the Barrel” – “If you had “a barrel of fun” what would be in it?
There are endless ways to spin out a conversation….I’ll sometimes keep singing songs from a musical until they can identify it. I love to get them storytelling….We’ve gotten some really good stories over the years including one lady who stowed away (as a teen or in her early twenties) shipboard for international travel to the United States.
My wife and I have been performing music together (banjo and accordion) in retirement & nursing homes for over 40 years. We have found that a good mix of nostalgia sing-along songs, instrumentals, some notable history of select songs and a few jokes go a long way to providing well rounded entertainment for the seniors.
Although, some of these songs are from the turn of the century, they are always well received.
Eb Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree – Vocal (1942)
F Some of These Days (1910)
C Red, Red Robin – Vocal (1926)
F Pennsylvania Polka (1942)
C Alley Cat Song/Sentimental Journey (1962, 1944)
D Play a Simple Melody – Vocal (1914)
C Lara’s Theme (1965)
Bb When Irish Eyes Are Smiling/I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles/The Band Played On/Bicycle Built for Two/Sidewalks of New York – Vocal
G Scottish medley
F Granada (1932)
C Hey Good Lookin’/Side by Side/Anytime – Vocal
F Danny Boy (1855, 1913)
C The World is Waiting For The Sunrise (1916)
C Cheek to Cheek (1935)
F It’s a Long Way to Tipperary/Pack up Your Troubles/Tavern in The Town/Beer Barrel Polka – Vocal
C In The Mood/Chattanooga Choo Choo (1939, 1941)
C Bye Bye Blues (1925)
Cm El Cumbanchero/Lady of Spain (1946, 1931)
Thanks so much for this amazing list, James!!
Great list, James. My wife plays accordion and I play guitar and banjo and we started playing together in 1972. Great fun hearing from you
Hi Sara, we’re on the same page! I agree that a performance for seniors could be enhanced with something other than strictly sing-alongs. When my wife and I perform at senior residences we mix in some instrumental numbers familiar to most…So, What’s New (Tijuana Brass), El Cumbanchero/Lady of Spain, Some of These Days (Sophie Tucker), Godfather Theme/Hava Nagila, Danny Boy. The song guessing game is one that we also use.
I perform regularly at long term care, retirement homes and adult day care and Alzheimer programs. As a result, created a series of sing along dvds for seniors….there are 12 and you have many of the songs covered- but lots of others to consider- Have I Told You Lately by Elvis is an absolute favourite….also Could I Have This Dance by Anne Murray……….see them all at http://www.melodylane.ca.
I agree with other comments that today’s seniors identify with songs from the late 40’s, 50’s 60’s and 70’s- not 20’s and 30’s!
Thank you so much for your expert feedback, Georgina, and for sharing the link! I will definitely check that out, and look forward to adding additional songs to my repertoire :)
I utilize music with severe mental illness in groups and 1:1.
some songs I use routinely are
Bridge Over Troubled Water
You’ve Got a Friend
I Hope you Dance
In my Life (Beatles)
This Land is Your Land
Down by the Riverside
Joy to the World
The Rose
Edelweiss
Thanks for setting up this thread. Its useful for me although I already use about half of these songs here in Cape Town South Africa. Heres a couple to add that I find appeal a lot to mostly UK related South Africans:-
Come to the Cabaret (The opening song from Cabaret )
Keep right on till the end of the Road
Volare
Songs from my Fair Lady
The Sunny Side of the Street
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
Oh dear what can the matter be
Oh you beautiful doll
I’m for ever blowing bubbles
Button up your overcoat
She’ll be coming round the mountain
Old Man River
Rock arounf the Clock
Lets twist again
A little help from my Friends
I remember it well (using their names )
And the second world war songs from the UK
Thanks so much, Christopher — these are wonderful additions!
Ballin’ the Jack
Great resource. Brought back such wonderful memories.
This is a fantastic site!! I play songs from classic folk all the way through to the 70s with my memory care and other senior patients. “You are my sunshine” and “Que Sera Sera” get nearly everyone singing , every time.
Some others:
All of Me
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Ain’t Misbehavin
Jambalaya
I’ll Fly Away
Wayfaring Stranger
Edelweiss
Hello Mary lou
And I always end with Goodnight Sweetheart!
Would like to ask…what do you do when senior is highly agitated in the group?? Do you stop the singing? I’ve been talking to her between songs. Asking her to engage, take deep breaths with me. Curious what others experience has been?
what a wonderful resource this is. I’ve just started singing for seniors and have found dozens and dozens of great songs here. One I did not see is my personal favorite – Goodnight Irene- which is probably somewhere in the above. I find that just about everyone knows it and sings along.
Thanks for this wonderful site.
Thank YOU for reading, and for the wonderful song addition! I’m surprised it’s not already on the list!
Great song list. It always amazes me when I am working with a stroke patient who we can’t understand when they try to talk due to aphasia, but will start singing perfectly when they hear a song from their past. Thanks for sharing the music!
Thank you, Patty! This is so true – it just never gets old, does it? ❤️
Hi,
I enjoy leading sing-alongs in my retirement community. I appreciate your suggestions for songs and hope to keep learning about more. Thanks for this helpful post.
You’re welcome, Nancy! Thanks so much for visiting my site, and I look forward to sharing more with you!
Really wonderful blog post and comments! Not sure if I saw, Back in the Saddle Again, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy mentioned, or White cliffs of Dover.
Also for a one on one session with an agitated- anxious memory care patient I discovered the power of the ‘happy birthday song’ it works wonders. So many positive memories are usually attached to that song. Sometimes I just play the melody.
My experiences working in memory care, especially for patients in their 90’s is that music from the 1920s and 1930s does have a powerful effect. It was music of their parents generation that they likely grew up listening to.
However, that’s why it works well to deliver customized music to each individual. In a group setting it’s hit or miss, so being prepared with a variety is helpful.