Judith Muir speaks at monthly Millbrook Rotary luncheon

MILLBROOK — The Rotary luncheon meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 22, not only featured a meal at Copperfields Restaurant, but a presentation by Judith Muir, and a short but sweet group singalong with the lilting words and tune of “Sweet Adeline.”

Muir, a widely renowned musician who is also an educator, works her magic at The Institute for Music and Health (IMH).At the Institute, she is director of programs. Her many years of teaching — more than 40 to be exact — enables her to teach students and help them achieve great success in their endeavors.

Muir was invited to speak to Rotary Club members on the subject of musical outreach. She believes that using music to help others can be meaningful.

IMH students visit The Fountains, a residence for seniors in Millbrook, once a month. Many of the residents they see are less mobile, who look forward to the sessions and a chance to connect with the younger students.

“Outreach is reaching out to help others use their creativity to lift their spirits,” said Muir.

She said everyone has an innate love of music, and that music can be transformational for the health and well-being of both individuals and communities.

The IMH was found by John Diamond, MD, in 1992, to train and teach musicians, and to help them perform their life’s work. The Institute works with individuals and groups, addressing special needs populations, both children and adults, through music. 

At the Rotary talk, Muir spoke of motion and music, such as the early experience of a mother rocking her baby, possibly singing or humming, to soothe and calm. The memory often remains, even with adults, along with the same effects of being soothed and calmed.

“Music is a wonderful way of connecting with children,” she said. 

It also helps people connect. 

“When using music for integration,” she said, “the most amazing things can come back to you.”

Music can also help those with poor social skills, who may feel uncomfortable in certain situations. Singing is a natural impulse, and joining others in song can be liberating, Muir said.

Singing can energize as well; it can accomplish great things when done on a regular basis. 

As Muir ended her talk, she asked that the two sides of the room sing to each other, reaching out with music. The sing-a-long couldn’t have garnered an award, but it was fun, and those present said they actually felt more connected. 

The Rotary meets for lunch on Wednesdays, at 12:15 p.m. at Copperfields Restaurant in Salt Point, 2571 Route 44. The meeting, for which there is no charge, ends at 1:15 p.m. and is open to all; lunch is $15.