Tag Archives: Music

Music Is Life…And Death

Families have their loved one's ashes pressed into vinyl records

Author Kurt Vonnegut once said, “No matter how corrupt and greedy our government and our corporations and our media and Wall Street and our religious and charitable organizations may become, the music will still be perfectly wonderful. If I should … Continue reading

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 “Death With Dignity” by Sufjan Stevens

A memorial song that captures loss, longing and the pain of coming to terms with a parent's personal failures

In the first few lines in the first song off his newest album, Sufjan Stevens invokes a sacred silence, desire, confusion and fear: “Spirit of my silence I can hear you / But I am afraid to be near you.” In … Continue reading

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Fighting Dementia with Music

There's mounting evidence that music can help combat aspects of dementia in the elderly

It’s no secret that music and memory seem to be inextricably bound – how many times does a song come on the radio and you feel instantly transported to a moment you thought you’d forgotten? This remarkable aspect of music … Continue reading

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What is the Threshold Choir? An Interview with Kate Munger

We discuss the Threshold Choir's mission to provide lovely, comforting songs to the ill and dying

Today SevenPonds speaks with Kate Munger who founded the Threshold Choir in 2000 with the idea of creating a chorus of women’s voices that could provide soothing song at people’s bedsides. She now administers a large network of of choirs … Continue reading

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Sting Sings About Dying in The Last Ship

The 62-year old former frontman for The Police talks candidly about death and grief

Dying like a rock star often means tragedy. Whether from overdose, sickness or suicide, lurid, high profile deaths sweep across the media like natural disasters. Jimi Hendrix, Freddie Mercury and Kurt Cobain, to name a few, mark the long line … Continue reading

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How Can Learning the Harmonica Help the Elderly? An Interview with Bill Fried

Bill Fried shares what he has learned from giving harmonica lessons to senior citizens.

Today SevenPonds speaks with Bill Fried, who works with the elderly in skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, senior centers and rehabilitation centers. He recently picked up playing the harmonica and quickly became passionate about it— enough, at least, to share … Continue reading

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