Music Across Generations
Elevating the power of music to bring generations together
Music Across Generations
Elevating the power of music to bring generations together
Music is one of the best ways not only to tell the story of cogeneration, but to show what it looks – and sounds – like.
The context
In the broader culture, intergenerational music collaboration is having a moment. A few examples: Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs, Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlile (pictured above), Billy Joel and Icelandic cellist Laufey, and Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
At the same time, scores of local programs regularly bring generations together to make music, including the Heart of Los Angeles Intergenerational Orchestra, Big Band and Choir; Dancing With the Spirit; and Concerts in Motion.
The program
At CoGenerate, music has been a foundational source of inspiration for our efforts to bring generations together. With support from the Eisner Foundation, we’re launching Music Across Generations to:
- Showcase and leverage the power of music to bring generations together to advance cogeneration.
- Catalyze more opportunities for older and younger people to make music together in ways that reduce loneliness and social isolation, fight polarization, bridge divides, and build strong communities.
Oct 23: Music Across Generations: Three Nonprofits Share Their Approaches – And Perform!
This free, hour-long webinar will feature Dancing With The Spirit, a program in Alaska that connects youth and elders through school programs and music camps; Mind&Melody, a Miami-based program that brings musicians to elders living with dementia; and Concerts in Motion, a program that brings musical performances to senior living centers in New York City, New York state, and beyond.
Essays & Events
Generational Harmonies
After severe bullying from her high school classmates, violist Isabella Mier was suicidal and losing hope when she discovered the Eisner Intergenerational Orchestra. “Why don’t I just go play for one of my last times?” she asked herself. “And I went, and I just felt...
Event Recording: Music Across Generations
Music can bring generations together for connection and collaboration, inspiration and celebration. Join us as we explore the power of cogeneration by learning more about an intergenerational orchestra, big band, and choir. This hour-long event features the Heart of...
The Best 13 Minutes You’ll Spend This Week
Just after the Oscars, I wrote about The Last Repair Shop, the 2024 Academy Award-winning documentary about four older people who repair the 80,000 free musical instruments used by public school students in Los Angeles. It’s a beautiful film about a vital...
