From OPTIMAL AGING INSTITUTE
Bowling Green State University’s Optimal Aging Institute will offer a two-session Ukulele for Beginners class, co-sponsored by Bowling Green Parks and Recreation. The program will take place on March 22 and 29 from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Simpson Garden Community Center at 1291 Conneaut Ave. Learn how to strum, play a few chords, and sing familiar songs, all in a fun and relaxing environment with Lisa Gruenhagen, Ph.D.
Dr. Gruenhagen is an associate professor of music education at BGSU. While studying flute and music education at Eastman School of Music, she became involved with the New Horizons International Music Association, which provides entry points to music making for adults that are age 50 and over. Gruenhagen has been playing the ukulele for approximately five years and has taught people of all ages. Along with other basics she will be teaching how to hold and tune the ukulele as well as how to balance playing within the group regardless of experience level.
“Music makes you think. Music is thinking in sound. You are thinking about fingerings, chords, playing in tune, and balancing your sound with others. While playing ukulele, you are strumming to the pulse and might also be singing, coordinating all of these things at once. Actively making music strengthens muscles and can help build memory,” Gruenhagen says.
The purpose of this program is to learn new musical skills as well as have fun. Ukulele is relatively easy to learn, only one or two fingers are required for some chords, and it is small and lightweight, according to Gruenhagen. Learning an instrument later in life also has its benefits.
“There is community and a feeling of accomplishment. Taking a class or participating in an ensemble allows people to be a part of something,” Gruenhagen adds.
Aging can limit social interaction and being part of a community is important, especially later in life. Music programs such as this provide time for adults to socialize and build friendships. Active music making can contribute to stronger physical and mental health while challenging the brain to think creatively, per Gruenhagen.
