Project 'Music in Later Life'
Is it ever too late to start learning music? "Absolutely not," affirms Dr. Muzaffer Çorlu, a multi-talented musician, psychologist, and arts scholar.
Music knows no age—it's a brain booster for everyone, fostering new neural connections known as brain plasticity. While younger minds and seasoned pros might show pronounced changes, everyone, including amateurs and seniors picking up an instrument later in life, benefits significantly.
Music isn't just melody; it's medicine for the mind, shielding against cognitive decline and mitigating the impacts of age-related brain conditions. It's a holistic tonic, offering cognitive, psychological, and physical benefits to learners of all ages.
Inspired by promising results from a 2021 pilot study in De Pinte, Dr. Çorlu, a guitar instructor at Muziekschool De Pinte, has curated a novel, experimental project. Set for April 2024 in Gavere, this 8-week program will invite 40 individuals over 55 to dive into classical guitar training. To ensure a broad representation, we're inviting 20 women and 20 men, preferably those without prior musical experience.
This project is nearly cost-free, with just a nominal administrative fee. Participants needing instruments can avail of affordable rentals. Throughout the course, we'll be collecting valuable feedback through questionnaires, ensuring a rich learning and teaching experience for all.