Music and Memory

The purpose of NIU’s Music and Memory program is to expand the mission of the national music and memory organization: to improve the quality of life for individuals with or at risk for dementia living in long-term care or senior living settings. We volunteer at several local long-term care centers and are so excited for you to join us! Our programs include two main tracks:

• Brain health: designed for healthy aging adults or adults at risk for mild cognitive impairment and dementia
• Art group: designed for adults with dementia to engage in strengths-based activities, focusing on empowerment, engagement and reminiscence

Our Bridges Holiday Choir will begin in early November at Lincolnshire Memory Care and DeKalb County Rehabilitation & Nursing Center!

Our program creates positive interactions for aging adults and individuals living with dementia, while promoting students’ personal and career growth through experiential learning.

Join Us

If you’re an NIU student, you can join Music and Memory. We’ll provide you with training on aging, brain health, dementia basics and interacting with individuals who have cognitive-communicative impairments. You can also apply to assist with research toward our secondary purpose of maximizing evidence-based practice in dementia care.

It’s a rewarding opportunity to:

• Perform community service
• Improve your communication skills
• Enhance quality of life for aging adults and individuals with dementia

To get involved, please visit our fall 2026 volunteer sign up.

Community Involvement

We are continually working to expand our program and bring awareness about brain health and opportunities for dementia intervention within the DeKalb community. With multiple activities available, our program will appeal to students with a variety of interests who want to make a difference in the lives of others. For more information, please email Jamie Mayer, Ph.D., at jmayer1@niu.edu.