Resources

Welcome to the Team!

We are so glad you decided to join us and share your talents to help foster a sense of well-being and enhance the daily lives of the elderly in our communities!

Before signing up for your first event, please review this page. Here, you'll find instructions for using our NVM Event Calendar to sign up to participate in weekly performance sessions. Participation commitment levels range from weekly to monthly. Sessions last one hour and are typically on Saturdays from 11:00 to 12:00. Volunteer time for each session averages about three hours, including preparation time.

You'll also find information about how we collaborate and what to expect when volunteering. We want you to enjoy sharing your joy of music, so to help keep things simple, we created some tools to help volunteers work together and streamline preparation and coordination!

  • NVM Spotify Playlist

    Explore the genres of music that are familiar to our partner residents and that they will benefit from. These are songs we have previously performed, and we are adding new ones all the time!

  • NVM Music Planner

    Contains MP3 files and Lyrics to save you time for finding and accessing what you need.

  • NVM Track-It-Forward Account

    Use our easy Track-It-Forward App to register as a new volunteer, review NVM Events Calendar, sign up for events, track your hours, and generate reports for those who need them.

Track-It-Forward accounts make it easy for you to log your hours to help you track your personal commitments to employers, honors societies, and college applications! Not everyone will need to track their hours, but everyone who participates will use the app to sign up for events, manage their RSVPs, and receive reminders.

Calendar - Sign Up
Log Hours

Please use these tools to help you be collaborative and honor your commitments. Timely communication is the key to an enjoyable experience for everyone!

Have Fun — Create Community!

How We Collaborate

We partner with local senior living communities to support their residents in memory care units and work directly with activities directors to arrange performances. Volunteers commit to weekly or monthly performances. Each performance session is an hour long, and we ask everyone to arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and allow for time to get into the Memory Care area, set up and great everyone.

Performances

  • Performance sessions typically occur on the weekend. Current session is scheduled for Saturday 11:00-12:00.

  • Volunteers typically work in groups preparing 15-18 songs for each visit (3 to 4 each person that can be solo, duets, or group).

  • Groups work together to determine if they would like to rehearse or collaborate. Everyone arrives prepared for their portion of the performance.

Preparation and Time Commitment

  • Each performance session is an hour long. Volunteer time per event, including preparation time, averages about 3 hours, depending on whether you are learning new material.

  • Volunteers prepare for visits by identifying and learning music that is familiar and enjoyable to elderly residents.

  • They choose from the resources we provide that are prepared by our Executive Director from meeting with the residents directly.

Material and Resources

  • Residents typically prefer we perform (and encourage sing-along) songs from the 1960s, and 1970s, including Pop, Motown, Broadway, Rock, and Gospel.

  • Resources are provided to simplify planning, coordination, and preparation time.

  • Volunteers are encouraged to engage with the residents and can provide suggestions for material, find resources for the group, and add to the group collection.

Preparation — Compassion

What to Expect

We want you to feel prepared for what is needed and expected in our community performances. Helping caregivers enhance the daily lives of the elderly and particularly of those suffering from Alzheimer's and Dementia can be challenging and uncomfortable. Be prepared for:

Touch

  • Many of these residents do not experience the simple act of touch on a daily basis.

  • Touch plays a vital role in helping us feel connected to one another. It increases oxytocin - lowering blood pressure, easing stress and fear, and promoting feelings of security and wellbeing.

  • Don't be surprised if residents reach out to touch you and don't hesitate to offer them a warm hand or ask them if you can give them a hug.

Confusion

  • This is a common effect of dementia that can be due to damaged brain cells, inflammation, and even side effects of medication.

  • When they say things that aren't true, go along with it - do not correct them.

  • Example: In response to. "Hello Sue, I saw your 12 children earlier today." Do say, " Oh, that's nice!" Do not say, "I don't have kids." or "I am not Sue."

Distraction

  • If a resident says something troubling, it is best to distract them from their thought or behavior,

  • Example: If a resident insists that he needs to get to work, distracting him with a compliment or song suggestion may calm him. Conversely, explaining that he is retired would likely only upset or distress him.

Emotion

  • It is important to keep in mind that music triggers emotions from the past and those responses to these emotions can be good and sometimes painful.

  • Be prepared to support, empathize, and console people with sorrowful responses

There will always be a responsible caregiver available to assist.

Build Connections — Spread Joy

What to Do

Explore our NVM Resources and become familiar with the genres of music our residents want to hear.

  • Explore our Spotify Playlist

    Find songs you enjoy performing.

  • Checkout our Music Planner Tool

    Use resources for lyrics and backing tracks.

  • Sign up for Sessions with Calendar Tool

    Collaborate with your group to create a schedule.

  • Collaborate

    Communicate with the group and work together to plan the performance.

  • Perform and Have Fun!

    Be sure to arrive early to be escorted into the unit and have time to set up. Greet everyone to create a welcoming environment! Don't forget to wear your name tag!

Remember...

We are sharing the joy of music to foster a sense of well-being and enhance the lives of our elderly community. So explore, collaborate, and have fun!

  • You Don't have to Play an Instrument

    We can use backing tracks.

  • You Don't have to Sing

    We can partner you with singers.

  • We Perform or Lead Sing-Alongs

    Residents primarily prefer songs from the 60's and 70s, including Pop, Motown, Broadway, Rock, and Gospel.

  • All Instruments are Welcome

    Voice, guitar, piano, keyboard, violin, flute, clarinet, drums, harmonica, ukulele, etc...

NVM Spotify Playlist

Check out our Spotify playlist that showcases examples of music residents have requested of us! We continuously add songs as we always attempt to provide performances that uniquely connect to individuals for the most benefit and impact!

Open in Spotify

NVM Music Planner

Check out our Spotify playlist that showcases examples of music residents have requested of us! We continuously add songs as we always attempt to provide performances that uniquely connect to individuals for the most benefit and impact!

PlanSongMP3LyricsChordsArtistYear
A Bushel and a PeckMP3LyricsDoris Day1950
A Change is Gonna ComeMP3LyricsOtis Redding1964
A Kiss to Build a Dream OnMP3Louis Armstrong1957
Ain't MisbehavinMP3
Ain't Misbehavin - Jazz VersionMP3
Ain't No Mountain High EnoughMP3orig. Marvin Gaye; also Supremes and Diana Ross1967 (Gaye)
Ain't We Got FunMP3LyricsFoxtrot Great Gatsby, Dorris Day, Peggy Lee1921, 1953 (Day), 1959 (Lee)
All My LovinMP3Beatles1963
All Shook UpMP3Elvis
Amazing GraceMP3John Newton1770
Another Suitcase Another HallMP3Lyricsfrom Evita: Barbara Dickson1977
Anything GoesMP3LyricsSutton Foster1934
As Time Goes ByMP3from Casablanca: Dooly Wilson, Frank Sinatra1931 (Wilson), 1961 (Sinatra)
At LastMP3LyricsEtta James1942
KalebAve MariaMP3LyricsFranz Schubert1825
Ave Maria - Version 2MP3LyricsFranz Schubert1825
Big Yellow TaxiMP3LyricsJoni Mitchell1970
BlackbirdMP3Beatles1968
RachaelBlowing in the WindMP3LyricsPeter Paul and Mary1963
Blue Eyes Crying in the RainMP3Fred Rose, Elvis1975 (Rose), 1976 (Elvis)
Blue MoonMP3LyricsBillie Holiday1961
Blue Moon (Simpler Version)MP3LyricsBillie Holiday1961
Blueberry HillMP3Fats Domino, Chubby Checker, Louis Armstrong1940
Bridge Over Troubled WaterMP3LyricsSimon and Garfunkel1970
Brown Eyed GirlMP3Van Morrison1967
Build Me Up ButtercupMP3LyricsThe Foundations1968
Burning LoveMP3LyricsElvis
By the Light of the Silvery MoonMP3Dorris Day, Bing Crosby,. Burt ives, Eddie Cantor, Etta James
California Dreamin'MP3LyricsThe Mamas and The Papas
Can you feel the Love TonightMP3Elton John1994
Can you feel the Love Tonight - version 2MP3Elton John1994
Can't Buy Me LoveMP3John Lenon, Beatles1964
Can't Help Falling in LoveMP3LyricsElvis1961
OliviaCan't Take My Eyes Off YouMP3Franki Valli, The Four Seasons1967
Chances AreMP3Al Stillman, Johnny Mathis1957
Chances Are - version 2MP3Al Stillman, Johnny Mathis1957
OliviaChapel of LoveMP3LyricsDixie Cups1964
Chatanooga Choo ChooMP3The Andrews Sister1941
Come Fly with MeMP3Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble1957
Come Fly with Me (Key of F)MP3Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble1957
Come Fly with Me (Key of C)MP3Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble1957
Come Fly with Me (v2 Sinatra)MP3Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble1957
Come Softly to MeMP3LyricsThe Fleetwoods1950
Come Softly to Me - version 2MP3LyricsThe Fleetwoods1950
Come TogetherMP3Beatles1969
Crazy - warmMP3
Crazy - bright acoustic pianoMP3LyricsPatsy Cliine1962
Crockodile RockMP3LyricsElton John1973
Danny Boy - Piano and BanjoMP3LyricsFrederic Weatherly1910
Danny Boy - PianoMP3LyricsFrederic Weatherly1910
Danny Boy - FluteMP3LyricsFrederic Weatherly1910
Day By DayMP3from Godspell1971
Do Re MiMP3The Sound of Music1959
Dream a Little Dream of MeMP3LyricsThe Mamas and The Papas1931
AnnieEdelweissMP3Sound of Music1959
Everybody Loves Somebody SometimeMP3Dean Martin1945
Favorite ThingsMP3Sound of Music1959
FeverMP3orig. Little Will John; Also Peggy Lee1956
KalebFly Me to the MoonMP3LyricsFrank Sinatra1954
Fly Me to the Moon - version 2MP3
For Once in My LifeMP3Stevie Wonder1960
Funny ValentineMP3Mitzi Green, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra1937
Get Me to the Church on TimeMP3From My Fair Lady1956
Georgia On My MindMP3Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Michael Buble1930
God Bless the USA (Proud to Be an American)MP3
God Bless the USA (Proud to Be an American) version2MP3
Goodbye Yellow Brick RoadMP3Elton John
Goodnight My SomeoneMP3Music Man, Meredith Wilson1962
Goodnight Sweetheart GoodnightMP3The Spaniels, The McGuire Sisters1953
Heartbreak HotelMP3Elvis Pres;ey
Hello DollyMP3LyricsLouis Armstrong1964
Here Comes the SunMP3LyricsThe Beatles1969
Hey Good LookinMP3Hank Williams (1951) Hank Williams Jr (1964)1964
Hound DogMP3Elvis
I Can See Clearly NowMP3LyricsJohnny Nash1972
I Could Have Danced All NightMP3My Fair Lady, Julie Andrews, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra1956
I Get a Kick Out Of YouMP3Ethal Merman, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald1934
?I will Follow HimMP3Peggy March, Whoopi Goldberg1963
?I will Follow Him - Version 2MP3
?I Wonder Who's Kissing Her NowMP3Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, Danny Kaye1909
?I'll Never Smile AgainMP3The Ink Spots, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra1939, 1940 (Dorsey), 1959 (Sinatra)
I've Got RhythmMP3LyricsJudy Garland, Bobby Darin, Ethel Merman1956
I've Got You Under My SkinMP3Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Steve Lawrence, Peggy Lee, Neil Diamond, U21956
IfMP3Bread1971
If I didn't CareMP3The Ink Spots; Also Brenda Lee, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday1939 (The Ink Spots)
HelenaImagine MP3John Lenon1971
It Don't Mean a Thing - RGMP3Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga1943
It Don't Mean a Thing - VGMP3
It Had to Be YouMP3Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr, Michael Buble, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby1924
Jailhouse Rock MP3Elvis1957
Jailhouse Rock - version 2MP3Elvis1957
Jailhouse Rock - version 3MP3Elvis1957
Java JiveMP3Ink Spots, Manhattan Transfer, The Platters1940
Jeepers CreepersMP3Dave Brubeck, Frank Sinatra, The Puppini Sisters1954
Jesus met the Woman at the WellMP3Peter Paul and Mary1964
JoleneMP3Dolly Parton1973
KumbayaMP3LyricsMartin Frey1965
HelenaLandslideMP3Fleetwood Mac1975
Lean on MeMP3Bill Withers1786
Leaving on a Jet PlaneMP3LyricsPeter Paul and Mary1969
Let It BeMP3LyricsPaul McCarthy, Beatles1970
Love ("L" is for the way…) MP3Nat King Cole1963
Love and MarriageMP3Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore1965
RachaelLove is Strange - OLIVIAMP3LyricsMickey and Sylvia1956
Mack the KnifeMP3orig. Bobby Darin; Also Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore1928
Jessie and KalebMambo ItalianoMP3LyricsDean Martin1954
Mambo ItalianoMP3LyricsRosemary Cloony1954
Maybe This TimeMP3from Cabaret, Liza Minnelli, 1972
Moon River - OLIVIAMP3Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra (1964), Audry Hepburn1956
Mr. SandmanMP3The Cordettes, The Andrew Sisters1954
My Girl- OAMP3LyricsThe Temptations1965
My Girl- temptations-mygirlMP3LyricsThe Temptations1965
My Sweet LordMP3George Harrison1970
My WayMP3Frank Sinatra, written by Paul Anka1969
Natural WomanMP3LyricsAretha Franklin, written by Carol King1967
New York New York - Frank SinatraMP3Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra1977
New York New York - Version 2MP3Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra1977
New York New York - Flute LeadMP3Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra1977
Oh What a Beautiful MorningMP3Lyricsfrom Oklahoma: Doris Day1943
On My OwnMP3from Les Misérables1984
OneMP3Lyricsfrom A Chorus Line1975
Only Have Eyes For YouMP3orig. Ben Selvin; Also The Flamingos, Frank Sinatra1934 (Selvin), 1953 (Sinatra)
Please Mr. PostmanMP3The Marvelettes, The Carpenters1931
Puff the Magic DragonMP3LyricsPeter Paul and Mary1963
Put Your Hand in the HandMP3Anne Murray, Joan Baez, The Oak Ridge Boys, Elvis Presley1970
Put Your Head on My ShoulderMP3Paul Anka1959
Que Sera SeraMP3Dorris Day1956
Raindrops Keep Falling on My HeadMP3LyricsBJ Thomas1969
Rock'in RobinMP3orig. Bobby Day, Jackson 5, The Hollies1957
Sentimental JourneyMP3Doris Day1945
Shine on Harvest MoonMP3Ethel Waters, Kate Smith, The Ink Spots, Liza Minnelli1943
Singing in the Rain MP3Gene Kelly1952
AnnieSixteen Going on SeventeenMP3Sound of Music1959
SmileMP3LyricsChordsCharlie Chaplin1954
So Long FarewellMP3Sound of Music1959
Something GoodMP3Sound of Music1959
JessieSomewhere Over the RainbowMP3Judy Garland1939
Sound of SilenceMP3Simon and Garfunkel1964
Splish Splash - Full MP3Lyrics
JessieSplish Splash - short bubbles MP3LyricsBobby Darin1958
Straighten Up and Fly RightMP3Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Marvin Gaye, Natalie Cole1976
Sugar SugarMP3The Archies
SupercalifragilisticexpialidociousMP3Mary Poppins1964
Take Me Home Country RoadsMP3John Denver1971
Take Me Out to the Ball GameMP31908
Tea for TwoMP3Ella Fitzsgerald, Julie Andrews, Frank Sinatra, Dina Shore1924
The Alley Cat SongMP3LyricsPeggy Lee1961
The Anniversary WaltzMP3Bing Crosby, Connie Francis1941
The EntertainerMP3Scott Joplin1902
The First Time Ever I Saw Your FaceMP3orig. Ewan McCall, Also Peter Paul and Mary, Elvis Presley, Roberta Flack, 1957
The Impossible Dream (To Dream the Impossible Dream)MP3Andy Williams, Luther Vandross, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, The Carpenters, and Cher. From: Man of La Mancha1965
The Lonely GoatherdMP3Sound of Music1959
The Sound of MusicMP3LyricsSound of Music1959
OliviaThe Trolly SongMP3Lyricsfrom Meet Me In St. Louis1944
There's No Business Like Show BusinessMP3from Annie Get Your Gun: Ethal Merman1954
Tiny DancerMP3Elton John1972
To All the Girls I've Loved BeforeMP3orig. Albert Hammond; also Engelbert Humperdinck, Willie Nelson, and Julio Iglesias1975 ( Hammond)
TomorrowMP3Lyricsfrom Annie1982
UnforgettableMP3Nat King Cole, Natlaie Cole, Peggy Lee
Up a Lazy RiverMP3LyricsChordsorig, Hoagy Carmichae; Also Mills Brothers, Helen Forrest, Peggy Lee1930
Wake Up Little SuzieMP3The Everly Brothers, Paul Simon1958
Waltzing MatildaMP3LyricsBanjo Paterson1895
Wedding SongMP3Peter Paul and Mary1972
What a Wonderful WorldMP3Louis Armstrong1967
What are You Doning the Rest of Your LifeMP3Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra1974
What I Did for LoveMP3A Chorus Line, Peggy Lee, Glee1985
What I Did for Love - HALF NOTE DOWNMP3
What I Did for Love - ONE AND HALF NOTE DOWNMP3
What I Did for Love - ONE KEY DOWNMP3
What I Did for Love - TWO NOTES DOWNMP3
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (Chorus-V1-Chorus) FluteMP3LyricsBing Crosby1912
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (One Verse)MP3
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (Original - two versus)MP3Chords
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling OrganMP3
When You're SmilingMP3Louis Armstrong, Michael Buble, Dean Martin1955
Why do Fools Fall in LoveMP3Frankie Lymon1956
Yellow Brick RoadMP3From "The Wizard of Oz"1939
Yes We Have No BananasMP3Frank Silver1923
Yes We Have No Bananas - version 2MP3Frank Silver1923
You are My SunshineMP3Jimmie Davis1939
You Don't Own MeMP3Lesly Gore1963
You Raise Me UpMP3(WHS Chorus version) Josh Groban2003
You Stepped Out of a DreamMP3Lyricsorig. The King Cole Trio; also Dorris Day1940
You'll Never Walk AloneMP3LyricsGerry and the Pacemakers, Frank Sinatra, Elvis1945
Your Cheat'n Heart - Hank WilliamsMP3Patsy Cline, Hank Williams Jr1953
Your Cheat'n Heart - Patsy ClineMP3Patsy Cline, Hank Williams Jr1953
Your SongMP3Elton John1970
Zing Went the Strings of My HeartMP3LyricsJudy Garland, Frank Sinatra1938
Zip A Dee Doo DahMP3LyricsDorris Day1962

Raising our Voices for Care and Connections.

NVM Volunteers