Arts for Life
Arts for Life
Encore’s Arts for Life programs support people experiencing specific health challenges through communal arts-making experiences.
Participants, along with their care partners, sing familiar songs and participate in music and movement games in a warm group setting to encourage connection through the power of music.
Spring Registration Now Open!
Tuition covers all sheet music and a rehearsal CD highlighting the singer’s voice part and contributes to Encore’s administrative costs. Tuition varies with locations.
Important: Singers who complete their registration at least two weeks before the semester begins are guaranteed to receive their sheet music at the first rehearsal. Those who register later may need to print their own music for the start of the semester. Because music orders are based on registration numbers, please register early to ensure that your music is ready for the first rehearsal.
Rehearsals for the Spring begin the week of: January 26, 2026
Arts for Life News and Information
Better Brain Health for Music Lovers – Insight Memory Care Center Feature
Music lovers rejoice - we know music is good for your brain health overall! Music can aid in focus...
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – Interview with Director of Arts for Life Dr. Mary Ann East
September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This month, we endeavor to end the stigma surrounding...
Sentimental Journey Singers
A community-based choir featuring a combination of familiar and new songs; this program is designed for singers with early to mid-stage cognitive change, their care partners and other community members.
Utilizing the expressive power and proven health benefits of music-making, participants will stimulate voice/body/brain connections, harmonize with others in a joyous environment, and develop an artistic craft under the direction of professional teaching artists.
In a space where all are seen, heard, and integral, the Sentimental Journey singers are provided the opportunity to connect and give back to their community through performance.
Activities
The group also participates in therapeutic activities, such as movement and music games.
Rehearsals
Participants, with their care partners, learn vocal techniques and three-part harmony, while singing familiar songs and new pieces in a social group setting under the leadership of a professional conductor.
Concerts
Locations
Find a Sentimental Journey Singers program near you.
Virginia
Maryland
North Carolina
Online
Melody Makers
An interactive singing-based program that combines singing with movement activities; this program is designed for singers experiencing mid-to-moderate stage cognitive change, their care partners and other community members.
Experienced teaching artists create a stimulating and joyous communal space where participants are guided to engage their voices, bodies, and spirits in arts-based activities.
Melody Makers provides an opportunity for participants to reconnect with memory, experience a sense of accomplishment, and live actively in the present moment through the scientifically proven powers of music.
Activities
Sessions include vocal exercises, singing of rounds and partner songs, movement activities, and opportunities for relationship-building.
Sessions
Ambassadors and Melody Makers engage in 45-60-minute sessions for 10-weeks.
Informance
At the end of 10-weeks, the group will share what they have learned with a participatory informance.
Locations
Find a Melody Makers program near you.
Maryland
Virginia
Partner With Us
We are always searching for organizations, residential facilities, and senior support centers to partner with.
Please contact Dr. Mary Ann East, Arts and Aging Research Director, if you would like to participate in or support our programming.