The authors home in further in this chapter to examine how music played a part in the lives of older adult clients of six senior centers. Interviewees’ colorful words and stories combine with the authors’ recollections of their visits to weave a figurative tapestry of senior center clients’ musical histories and music participation, both within and outside senior centers. A brief foray is also made into the musical backgrounds of center activity leaders. All of this information sets the stage for an exploration of these adults’ motivations for engaging in music and the barriers some encountered along the way. The chapter ends with a brief synthesis of the role of music participation in interviewees’ quality of life.

Drawing from a wide range of literature, most notably from aging studies and gerontology, this chapter begins with the historical background, nature, and functions of senior centers in the United States, followed by a focus on the characteristics of center clients and their level of involvement. Based on the literature, this chapter includes the benefits of using the centers and the challenges drawn from both the perspectives of center management and clients, followed by a discussion of various types of musical activities offered in senior centers, including instrumental, choral/singing, and music learning and creative activities. Activities offered solely for older adults and those that are intergenerational are highlighted. A range of musical activities that are aimed at older adults’ wellness is recognized. Given the scope of the existing literature, gaps and questions are raised, leading to the studies presented in the following chapters.