Training volunteers to come on COMPs is an essential part of what we’re about. We take groups of volunteers, teach our unique approach to therapeutic music-making, and then actually get them making music in local seniors’ homes. It’s easy, cost-effective and wonderfully beneficial.

We train:

• School children
• Special needs children and adults
• Seniors
• Independent adults and families who want to use music to enhance their life

In all cases, our training consists of two types of event:

Rehearsals. Volunteers are taught new songs and specific techniques enhance the therapeutic impact of their music-making.

Musical outreaches. We take the volunteers to venues such as nursing homes and retirement communities to make music with seniors.

Who is Suitable to Volunteer for COMPs?

Anyone! You don’t need special musical skills or experience. You don’t need to be a “good singer,” sing on key or anything like that. All materials are learnt aurally via rehearsal sessions and recordings, so don’t need to read music. That is a wonderful thing about COMPs: anyone, repeat anyone, can use music in this way to enhance their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the length of each session? A session usually lasts about one hour, whether rehearsal or outreach. There are many factors determining length, so we usually negotiate on a case-by-case basis.

Where do sessions take place? For individuals, families or small groups, rehearsals take place either at our premises (Verbank, NY) or at your institution. For larger groups, rehearsals are at your institution. Outreaches are organized by us in an appropriate venue (nursing home, etc.) within convenient traveling distance of your institution/home.

How often do they take place? Our usual recommendation is once a week, but there are many reasons for running a COMP more or less often.

How long is a Program? COMPs are most effective when done on a long-term basis. However, short-term programs are also highly beneficial. A Program usually lasts a minimum of five sessions (spread over five weeks) and will include at least one community music outreach. In certain circumstances (for example, if the group is already familiar with some of the songs), we can reduce this period.

How big a group? COMPs work for a wide variety of different group sizes—anywhere from a few individuals to groups of seventy-five or even more. There are many dependent factors: the type of volunteers, how much assistance is supplied by staff, etc.

What repertoire is used? Older style popular songs which are satisfying to sing, easy to learn and—most important—are familiar to seniors at outreach venues, so that they can sing with the volunteers.

The Cost? Our costs depend on a number of factors—the length of the COMP, the number of therapists involved, frequency of visits, amount of travel etc. Our prices are always fair, and in general COMPs are a highly cost-effective modality.