As part of Senior’s Month, members of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and researchers from McMaster University are coming together to share the critical nature of communication between musicians and their audiences – and what can happen when factors such as hearing loss get in the way of that musical communication.

The Power of Communication through Music will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 2-3 p.m. at the Hamilton Public Library (Central Location, Hamilton Room, 55 York Blvd). Part concert, part lecture, this unique event is a result of a collaboration between the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind (MIMM), and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) and Hamilton Public Library (HPL).

MIRA is committed to sharing groundbreaking research and educational initiatives in aging at McMaster University with members of the community through public events such as this, as well as through public platforms, like the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal.

“I am excited to be working with the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging and the Hamilton Philharmonic to explore the science of how music affects us,” said Laurel Trainor, Professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour at McMaster University and Director of the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind.

“These explorations allow us to harness music in a way that may increase well-being, reduce social isolation and provide therapeutic options for pain reduction and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease,” she added.

“Highlighting the knowledge and insights of Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte and Dr. Trainor, alongside our musicians, we are thrilled for the opportunity to contribute to a deeper understanding of the wellness issues that affect our population of older adults,” said Diana Weir, Executive Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Register online at bit.ly/SeniorsMonth.