Tulsa Opera will present its “Songs by Heart” program starting on June 13, 2024 and every subsequent Thursday thereafter.

The program is designed for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caretakers and features the Filstrup Resident Artists performing 45-minute programs. During the concerts, the artists lead an interactive sing-along, encouraging the residents to take part. There are also therapeutic segments and techniques such as mirroring, verbal and gestural prompting, direct eye contact, and holding hands to facilitate mood shifts, among others.

“Tulsa Opera is committed to sharing the healing power of music with our community,” said Dan Keil, the Chief Operating Officer of Tulsa Opera. “But even our nominal fee for bringing Songs by Heart is too much for some retirement communities, and there are many more people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who are living at home with their family as caregivers. We were determined to make this wonderful program free and accessible to as many people as possible.”

“We are thrilled that the Tulsa Opera is expanding Songs by Heart to the wider community as a free program for all Tulsans living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia,” added Sandi Pellow, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter. “Participating in a positive, supportive, and stimulating program like Songs by Heart may enhance personal well-being and may help individuals with a dementia diagnosis to remain healthier longer.”

“Song by Heart” was first created in 2015 by Nancy Gustafson in response to her mother’s advanced dementia. Since then, it has expanded to over 60 communities across the United States.