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Music: Listen & Learn

We are lucky enough to live in an age where music is at our fingertips. Whether you want to relax and listen or get involved and learn something new, you can do so anywhere as long as you have a screen and a wifi connection. We want you to enjoy your summers, and listening to your favorite albums or learning guitar is an excellent way to do so. As the summer months wind down and fall blows in, it’s a perfect time to pick up a new hobby that you enjoy indoors and out.

There are many resources for learning to play an instrument, read music, or even to help pick between string and wind! Read below to learn more and follow the links to help you search for your next favorite activity!  

Skillshare

This online platform has so many creative courses it’s almost hard to pick. Learn everything from music theory to how to string a guitar from experts and creatives who do it themselves. Take an unlimited amount of (self-paced!) courses for $30/month. Not just for music lovers, there is a wide variety of pursuits you can indulge in with Skillshare and so many new projects to show off and share with your loved ones. You can try it all, free, for 30 days.

Takelessons

Looking for one-on-one sessions with an instructor? Takelessons offers this service for just $15/lesson. With a dedicated instructor just on the other side of your screen, you’ll be able to ask questions and receive constructive feedback as you learn to play your new instrument. All the teachers are certified, so you know you’re getting the best of the best. If you’re not satisfied with your experience, you will get a 100% refund.

Music for Seniors

Tailored to the specific needs and wants of the aging population, Music for Seniors aims to reduce social isolation and promote health and wellness. They offer multiple private lessons in various arts, including drums, cello, and guitar. Seniors can even branch out into more academic learning or learn a new language.

Sing for your Seniors

Sing for your Seniors offers one-on-one, virtual, “musical visits!” 30 minute long sessions feature a professional performing artist who will sing songs and spark conversation about the music and memories they provoke. At $50 per session, the price is a little higher than others but also much more personal. Their mission is to reach all seniors no matter socioeconomic status. Their free Public Sessions are available to seniors, caregivers, and families who are not connected to a center, facility, or organization.

Making music and learning something new is exciting. For those with conditions that affect their memory, or even those who just want to enjoy music, there are MANY options for free music subscription services.

Spotify

Spotify allows anyone to listen to any song at any time. Its massive library works for anyone who wants to sign-up. For a premium fee, you can download the songs and keep them on your device at any time. With a wifi connection, you can use Spotify for free without downloads (but with ads.) Create a playlist filled with classic 50s music, and you’ll conjure tucked-away memories. Spotify also features a radio option that allows you to create an entire playlist based on just one song. Featuring podcasts and more, you’ll get hours of enjoyment out of this comprehensive service.

iTunes

If also using Apple Music, Apple’s service offers similar services to Spotify, iTunes has the added benefit of allowing you to download individual songs for (about) $1. While this may get more expensive if downloading several songs, if you’re just looking for something specific that you will be sure to download, this is a great option.

Amazon Music

Like its competitors, Amazon Music lets you create playlists and listen to music at your leisure. However, if you’re already familiar with Amazon’s Alexa feature, this virtual assistant and its devices seamlessly integrate with Alexa for easy listening and easy control.

Your Local Radio Station

Everyone has a favorite local radio station, and you can be pretty much guaranteed you can find yours either in your phone’s app store or through their website. Based here in Austin, TX, The Helper Bees invites you to listen to KGSR, our local radio station, and seek out your own to have those comforting voices and music in your living room, kitchen, or wherever you are.

Music is a universal language. Learning to play and listening to your favorite songs isn’t just a comforting pass time but can help you connect with others and keep your mind sharp.

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