Senior Planet offers many music related programs and events.  Here’s a success story about one of them. 

A 3rd-generation Cajun fiddler from Ville Platte, Louisiana, Ann Vidrine (age 63) began her career as a professional musician in 1989. Since then, her journey has been chock-full of impressive performances and accolades but like many others, Ann suddenly lost her career during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“My bookings calendar went blank in March of 2020. It was such a life altering shock to suddenly be unemployed, without warning, without any place allowing performances in the foreseeable future,” she recalls. “My attitude regarding myself aging was negative. I felt I was washed up, finished after my career was shut down suddenly.” 

Music to the rescue

Then, Ann found Senior Planet’s music programs. She started by joining the Open Mic nights (held every other Tuesday at 6pm ET), then branched into Songwriting Nights (held every other Wednesday at 7pm ET).  

“The goal of programs like Open Mic and Songwriting Night is to provide older adults the opportunity, technical knowledge, and encouragement to share their music on a digital platform,” says Nicole Alcime, Virtual Program Experiences Manager at Senior Planet.  “Many folks also join simply to enjoy the music – all are welcome.”  

Ann is now a regular performer at both programs, and she has written 14 new songs in the last four months.

“I enjoy the opportunity to showcase original works as well as experience the works of other songwriters,” Ann says. “I can’t express enough what this experience has done for me. I really felt like COVID had erased me for good. But I now have a new purpose, that of songwriter, and that is something I can do for the rest of my life.”  

Join us!

So come one, come all! You can find all of Senior Planet’s music-based events at https://seniorplanet.org/all-things-music/ and connect with other music enthusiasts on Senior Planet Community.  

YOUR TURN

Have you joined or tried one of Senior Planet’s music programs?  Share your story in the comments?

Deirdre Lee serves as Director of Virtual Program Experiences for Senior Planet from AARP (formerly managing the organization’s licensing program). Based in Denver, she oversees Senior Planet’s online programs as well as the free hotline for tech or Senior Planet questions (available at 888-713-3495).