The Melody Project 501(c)(3)

Music as
medicine.

A nonprofit connecting high school students and older adults through music-based intergenerational programming — reducing isolation, stimulating cognition, and building community across generations.

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200+
Older Adults Reached
OUP
Published — Oxford University Press
4,500+
GSA Conference Attendees Reached
NYC
Multiple Assisted Living Facilities
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Intergenerational Music Session, NYC
Our Mission

Building connection
across generations.

The Melody Project was founded on a simple but powerful idea: music creates bonds that transcend age. We design and run intergenerational programming in assisted living facilities across New York City — connecting high school student volunteers with older adult residents through structured, music-based activities grounded in neuroscience and designed to measurably reduce loneliness and cognitive decline.

🎵
Music-Based Programming
Structured sessions promoting memory recall, emotional interaction, and cognitive stimulation through music.
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Intergenerational Bonds
Connecting high school student volunteers with older adults in assisted living facilities across NYC.
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Data-Driven Impact
Working with postdoctoral researchers to evaluate impact on loneliness, cognition, generativity, and happiness.
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Scalable Model
A program toolkit designed for future chapters — built to scale beyond New York City.
The Science
01
Music & Memory
Music activates more areas of the brain simultaneously than almost any other stimulus — making it uniquely powerful for memory recall and emotional regulation in older adults.
02
Loneliness & Cognitive Decline
Social isolation is now recognized as a major risk factor for dementia — on par with physical inactivity and smoking. Connection isn't a luxury; it's a health intervention.
03
Intergenerational Contact Theory
Structured contact between younger and older generations measurably reduces ageism, increases empathy, and improves wellbeing for both groups — when designed intentionally.

Real programming.
Measurable impact.

From designing the curriculum to partnering with postdoctoral researchers, The Melody Project takes a rigorous approach to both programming and evaluation. Our work has been recognized by leading organizations in gerontology, aging research, and social impact.

Work featured in WIT Magazine, GirlTalkHQ, and UCSF Edgerunners Podcast
Published in Innovation in Aging — Oxford University Press
Presented to 4,500+ researchers at GSA Annual Scientific Meeting
Contributing writer, Generations Now — American Society on Aging
Partners: Gerontological Society of America, ASA, Aspen Center for Rising Generations
200+
Older Adults Reached
Nov '24
Founded
5,000+
People Reached via Presentations & Webinars
NYC
Multiple Assisted Living Facilities
Recognition & Partnerships
📖
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Innovation in Aging — Oxford University Press
First-author paper on music-based intervention to reduce loneliness in assisted living. Presented at GSA Annual Scientific Meeting, Boston (4,500+ attendees).
🎙️
Media Features
UCSF Edgerunners · WIT Magazine · GirlTalkHQ · ASA Generations Now
Featured across podcasts, magazines, and publications for innovative approach to aging, loneliness, and intergenerational community care.
🤝
Organizational Partners
GSA · American Society on Aging · Aspen Center for Rising Generations
Developed partnerships with leading gerontology organizations. GSA ILRCE Interest Group Leader — presenting alongside researchers and practitioners.

Want to learn more
or get involved?

Visit The Melody Project website for information on our programming, research, and how to bring us to your community.

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