Music class strikes right chord for over-50 students

"A Canton-based music class for students over age 50 may strike just the right note to help fight dementia, stress, depression, Parkinson's disease and loneliness — all while boosting immune systems and nurturing new friendships." continues Hometownlife.com.

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Studies have documented the positive side effects of music, but students learning to play timeless songs on Lowrey keyboards at Evola Music say it's just as important to find a creative outlet they enjoy.

Deana Salhaney, who got a keyboard as a gift last Christmas, hadn't played music since she took piano lessons as a young child.

"I had forgotten most of what I had learned," she said, before striking the keyboard notes to Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender during an over-50 class at Evola Music, on Haggerty north of Warren. 
"This is sort of a new experience — and it keeps my brain working."

Christine Wofford, another Canton resident, is among the more than 100 students in over-50 classes learning to play songs such as I Walk The Line, Little Brown Jug, Beautiful Brown Eyes, Jingle Bells and When The Saints Go Marching In at Evola Music. Each class typically has seven to 12 students.

"I can't believe I did it with my own two hands," Wofford said, finishing her rendition of Love Me Tender. "It's very rewarding and it's a lot of fun."

Wofford also has a serious reason for learning to play music. She has watched her mother battle dementia.
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Source: Hometownlife.com