Music education in aged care: Positive ageing through instrumental music learning

Ellina Zipman is a music education researcher. Ellina examined the place of education for older learners in residential care facilities through a program of piano lessons. By giving weekly piano lessons for 12 months to two participants of aged care facilities, this research project discovered that passion was at the heart of participants engagement in piano lessons and self-initiated piano practice. Their passion was supported by continuous participation, continuous learning and psychological resources. The study advocates bringing continuous learning resources to residents of aged care facilities, as learning new skills benefits their wellbeing and contributes to their quality of life.