Beyond the Music

Music therapist Alkeiya Brown directs and narrates this Australian documentary about the benefits of music for senior citizens with psychological impairments. Brown admits that the sights and smells that greeted her first visit to the dementia-specific wing at Canberra's Jindalee Aged Care Facility were off-putting, but she didn't let that deter her. The residents, who suffer from a variety of age-related conditions, are not able to do much on their own, but Brown gets them to respond to their names, as well as sing, clap, and tap their feet. When Barbara, a resident, first heard about Brown, she expressed skepticism, but the therapist broke down her reserve, possibly because singing reminds her of her mother, although she doesn't mince words when she states, “A lot of songs are stupid.” Still, Brown notes that Barbara comes to life whenever she sings. Fred, who has a more tenuous grip on reality, also enjoys singing. As Brown observes, lyrics spill out of him in an exuberant rush before he slumps back into silence. Brown goes out of her way to engage each group member; singing—for example—an Indonesian song with Suprati, who appreciates the individualized attention. As clinical nurse manager Pam Bondfield confirms, each resident reacts differently to the sessions: to some, it's a distraction; for others, it has a calming effect. Brown harbors no illusions that she's offering a cure, though she does talk about neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to forge new neural pathways through creative activity. Along the way, Brown also incorporates testimony from children and spouses who appreciate the difference she has made in the lives of their loved ones. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)