Project Story

An invitation to share the power of music

There are moments when music does something extraordinary.

A melody begins…
Toes starts to tap…
A smile appears…
And suddenly, someone is connected to a memory, a person, a feeling.

Your gift can help create more of these moments.

Concerts for Care Homes is a growing initiative from the Desautels Faculty of Music that brings live music directly to senior care homes in Winnipeg, creating opportunities for connection and joy for residents, while giving UM music students valuable experience performing in the community.

Why this matters

For many seniors, especially those facing physical or cognitive challenges, attending live concerts simply isn’t possible. But music can still reach them.

Through Concerts for Care Homes, student musicians transform everyday common rooms into intimate concert spaces filled with jazz, classical music, and familiar songs that spark memory and connection.

“Bodies began to sway, feet and fingers began to tap, smiles appeared. Words returned briefly. Memories reappeared.”
— Mira Djokic, Director of Care & Lisa-Marie Back, Staff Development Coordinator, Golden Door Geriatric Centre

These aren’t just performances They are moments of recognition, dignity, and joy.

Learning beyond the classroom

Concerts for Care Homes is also a practical learning experience for the next generation of musicians.  Students gain experience preparing for and performing live concerts in a setting that is very different from a traditional concert hall.  They learn how to:

• Prepare repertoire for diverse audiences
• Adapt their performance to different spaces and circumstances
• Communicate and engage with audiences of varying ages and abilities
• Work collaboratively as an ensemble
• Build confidence by performing outside the university environment
• Understand the role musicians can play in their communities.

Students also receive a modest honorarium that recognizes their time, skill and transportation expenses.

Most importantly, they see firsthand how their music can affect others.

For the students who perform, this experience changes how they see music and themselves.

They don’t just practice their craft. They witness its impact.

They learn that being a musician isn’t only about the stage, it’s about connection, empathy, and community.

The impact so far

In just one year:

• 200+ music students invited to participate
• 50+ students have performed
• 5 Winnipeg care homes visited each month
• 35 concerts brought live music to seniors

The program is currently focused in Winnipeg, where relationships with local care homes have helped create a strong foundation.  With additional support, there is an opportunity to sustain the program, reach more care homes in our community, and, one day, extend its reach beyond the perimeter.

How your gift makes a difference

Your support will help us:

• Sustain monthly concerts at current partner care homes
• Expand performances to more senior care homes in Winnipeg
• Provide modest honoraria to student performers
• Help cover the practical costs of bringing students and their music into care homes
• Create more opportunities for students to gain real-world performance and community-engagement experience.
• Lay the groundwork for the program to eventually reach communities beyond Winnipeg.
• Remove barriers to accessing live music
• Strengthen intergenerational connection through shared musical experiences

More than just a concert

For families, these concerts create rare and meaningful moments together.

“Families value seeing their loved one engaged and enjoying meaningful activities.”
— Debbie Glatz, Resident Services Manager, Golden West Centennial Lodge

For seniors, they offer connection, engagement and a sense of belonging.

For students, they provide practical experience, confidence and a deeper understanding of the impact of their music and provide purpose.

Help us keep the music playing

Your gift doesn’t just fund a performance. It creates:

• a smile.
• a memory.
• a moment of connection.
• a meaningful learning experience for an emerging musician.

And sometimes, it helps someone find their voice again.

Join us in bringing the power of music to more seniors by giving the next generation of musicians the opportunity to discover what their music can do.