Music
Make a personal songbook
Collect favorite songs, a few lines of words and the stories behind them in one book.
Who might enjoy it: People who love favorite songs, hymns or the radio from years gone by, and anyone who likes telling the stories behind a tune. Good for people who would rather listen than sing.
- Setup
- About 10 minutes
- Activity
- 15–40 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Mess
- No mess
- Where
- At a table, seated-friendly, bedside
- Help
- Someone nearby
Materials: 5 everyday things, listed below
What you need
- A notebook or a few sheets of paper in a folder
- A pen or a thick marker
- A phone, radio or music player to play songs
- Printed lyrics for a few songs (optional)
- Old record sleeves, sheet music or concert programs, if you have them
No need to buy anything special
- No printer? Copy one verse or the chorus by hand in large letters.
- No music player? Sing or hum together, or simply write the titles and talk about them.
What to do
- Sit together and open the book to a blank page.
- Ask about a song they enjoy, or offer a choice of two familiar songs.
- Play the song at a comfortable volume and listen together.
- Write the song title at the top of the page.
- Add the singer or a favorite line, if they want to.
- Invite a story about the song, such as where they heard it or who they danced with.
- Write a few words about the story, in their words.
- Play the song again if they would like, or choose the next one.
It is okay to stop or change it
It is fine to stop after one song. Leave the book open at that page, play something gentle, or simply sit and listen together for a while.
Make it easier or different
- Make it easier
- Prepare pages ahead with the title and chorus already printed. Together you only listen, sing along and add a sticker or a word.
- In bed or an armchair
- Use a clipboard and play songs quietly from a phone. The helper writes; the person listens and chooses.
- For low vision
- Print lyrics in very large type with high contrast, one verse per page, or skip reading and enjoy listening.
- With children
- A grandchild finds the songs on a phone and plays them, then writes the titles while the older adult shares the stories.
- Without words
- Play a short part of two songs and watch for a smile, tapping or humming. That reaction is the choice; write it down.
Safety
- Keep the volume comfortable and check it with them. Sudden loud music can startle or hurt.
- Check hearing aids are in, switched on and not whistling. Some people prefer headphones off and the speaker nearby.
- Some songs bring back sad memories or people who have died. Pause, listen kindly, and offer another song or a break.
- Avoid songs with lyrics or associations that may upset them; follow their lead on what to play.
These are practical suggestions, not medical advice. You know the person best.
A songbook is a collection of favorites, not a test of words or tunes. Listening comes first and writing is optional, so anyone can take part, and the book gives family and visitors an easy way to share music later.