Our Impact

Sharing Live Music, Lighting up Lives!

We design and curate our live music programs to address social, emotional, health and well-being challenges that we all contend with as we age. We tailor our programs to address the unique needs of older adults, addressing such challenges as transportation, scheduling, mobility, cognitive, physical, and financial concerns.

We provide an opportunity for immersive music experiences connecting participants to one another and to their wider community, enriching quality of life and helping to reduce isolation and the resulting feelings of loneliness.

Music for Seniors Program Reach

July 2023 – June 2024

110+

We work with over 100 Musician Partners in Middle and East TN every year

49,320

We served almost 50,000 participants through our programs, a 9% increase year over year

1,722

We delivered over 1,700 programs this year, averaging 144 per month

We serve 11 counties in Middle and East TN

Music for Seniors Impact

Annual survey data from Winter 2022

POSITIVE RATING

Over 95% gave us a positive rating for engaging with seniors, quality of music, ease of scheduling, dependability and affordability

MOOD ELEVATION

98% reported mood elevation of participants during our programs

INCREASE IN PARTICIPATION

93% reported a noticeable increase in engagement and active participation during our programs

LASTING EFFECTS

70% reported that elevated mood and positive affect last an hour or more after our programs

Help us Give the Gift of Live Music!

DONATE TODAY

Outreach Testimonials

"Music programming evokes memories in the past that verbal cues do not to our community. A story can come back to them from a song from their past and it can bring movement in them as well. One gentleman is verbal, but it doesn't make sense, but when he starts singing, he remembers every word and has the most beautiful voice."

— Co-Leader, Volunteer for Sunny Day Club

"Our group usually always is clapping and/or tapping their feet. It seems small but it isn't. We have a couple here and they sit side by side in their wheelchairs and they sit beside each other and hold hands. 'My Girl' song is a fave of theirs!"

— Recreation Director for Assisted Living Community

"Music engages our community in a special way. It's a mood improver and motivator. We see responses with music when NOTHING else works. People literally 'wake up' with certain songs. Music is the ONLY thing that makes them do that."

— Life Enrichment Director for Residential Community

“A new lady has become a resident lately and she is very shy, and she didn't really fit in yet. When our MFS programming began, she started dancing and grabbing other people to dance. When she heard the music her whole mood changes and its great. Matt is great with the drums too! The drum circle is a big hit too.”

— Engagement Director of a Residential Living Community

Some of our [participants] are non-verbal but can sing songs still perfectly. Anything rhythmic helps them respond better and can help their memory. People remember and sing hymns from childhood but can't communicate usually. It's incredible what the power of music can do. Thank you.”

— Memory Care Community Partner

“Thank you for everything. They [older adult participants] have enjoyed it! It's made scheduling musicians a lot easier for us.”

— Community Partner

FDFDCS Concerts Testimonials

“We have residents that have never gotten up and danced before, BUT they do at your concerts. A man that has never danced, asked me to dance and a lady wants to see the video we took of her dancing every day.”

— Lifestyle Coordinator of Residential Living Community

“Loved the band, great interaction with the audience and just over 1 hour was good timing. Can’t thank you enough for providing this opportunity for my father-in-law!!He was a new man after hearing upbeat live music!”

— Daughter-in-law of a Concert Attendee

“As always everything was FIRST CLASS. Staff, Venue and Musicians. Wonderful day! Y’all are a blessing!”

— Frank Dycus FREE Daytime Concert Attendee

“Far and away one of the best concerts thus far this year. Whenever a group provides music that we seniors can relate to, sing along with and even dance to, it really brightens our day. Keep up the good work and grateful for all you do.”

— Frank Dycus FREE Daytime Concert Attendee

“I love these concerts. I like going to different locations and hearing a variety of music. Keep up the good work!”

— Frank Dycus FREE Daytime Concert Participant

"Thanks for sponsoring a fun and free music event for Seniors. The WannaBeatles sure brought back lots of memories. As I looked around the crowd, there were lots of happy, singing peeps and even a couple of peeps shaking bootie. We’re still young at heart.”

— Frank Dycus FREE Daytime Concert Participant

Learning Lab Testimonials

“Enjoyed learning from Donna and sharing experiences with others in the class - Way more nourishing than learning from YouTube. I learned a lot in a very short time, and took part in a public performance, singing and playing an instrument for the first time in my life. Thank you for the opportunity!”

— Learning Lab Participant

“I am so glad I tried this new venture. Making music is good for my senior brain, and so is making friends, both of which were accomplished in this class. I hope we can have an intermediate level class in ukulele soon at the Senior Renaissance Center. Interest was high! Thanks!”

— Ukulele Learning Lab Participant

"The course was not intimidating at all and the instructor was wonderful! He was supportive, challenging, and fun to be around. Not to mention the plus of getting to hear him play every week!"

— Ukulele Learning Lab participant

Help us Give the Gift of Live Music!

DONATE TODAY

Frank Dycus Legacy
FREE Daytime Concert Series

Concerts feature celebrated groups and soloists at interesting and accessible venues throughout the area. Concerts are scheduled during daytime hours on weekdays to allow everyone the opportunity to attend: independent older adults; groups from senior centers and senior communities; and groups with special needs transported by caregiving staff.

FIND AN EVENT