INSPIRED by an ABC television show, Jimboomba music teacher Amy Shanley is bringing generations together .
She is the founder of Mind Melodies Tutoring and Music Lessons and has coined “Tunes Together”, a concept which aims to bring children closer to their parents, and also aged care residents.
“Tunes Together is a musically based intergenerational playgroup for children aged 0-5 years, their families, and residents of local aged care facilities,” Ms Shanley said.
“Children and their ‘helpers’ learn the fundamentals of music through song, dance, games and interactive learning, as well as learning basic AUSLAN to expand the inclusiveness of the program.”
The program has tapped into the knowledge of a former diversional therapist.
“Children enrich the lives of those around them, and our older generations have valuable life experiences and knowledge that they can impart on our young people, their families and the broader community,” Ms Shanley said.
“At the start of 2020, I had been watching Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds on the ABC, and totally fell in love with the idea. Watching the residents form connections with the children, which then motivated them to start actively participating in more activities, was just fantastic.
“Then and there, I decided we needed something just like this in Logan City.”
Ms Shanley is a classical musician, having played flute for 15 years. She also plays piano.
“Teaching music to children has always been a passion of mine,” she said.
“It just made sense that I should create a fun, engaging, informative and simply awesome program that could combine the concept of an intergenerational playgroup, and learning about music.
“Ever heard the saying, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’? Well, how about ‘You can teach an old dog with two drum sticks’?.”
The program is structured in 10-week blocks to fit with the school terms.
“No two weeks are the same, and every week is jam packed with activities and songs to suit all ages and stages, with dedicated craft and sensory time (music themed of course) at the end of each session,” she said.
“I started a pilot program of Tunes Together with the team at Southern Cross Care in Edens Landing, primarily in the retirement village.
“As the restrictions eased, we began giving performances in the dementia ward and assisted living as well. I was then approached by one of the nurse managers in the assisted living who asked me to write a music program specifically for the assisted living and dementia ward, which I was more than happy to do.”
She said some very special bonds have been made.
