Musical volunteer makes our residents’ hearts sing

Mamoru Okamoto is a flautist and drummer who works as a scientist in research and development, and went looking for a volunteer role to fill his spare time.

“I love music and I grew up with playing and listening to music and I always wanted to share this passion with people around me,” Mamoru explained.

He saw an online advertisement seeking a volunteer to lead a choir at The Lodge Lourdes Valley Residential Care and, although he's no conductor, he knew he could still support the residents to sing.

With his flute in hand, Mamoru visited for an interview with the Lifestyle Coordinator and he was soon playing for a group of residents.

That was just over a year ago and Mamoru continues to visit every week to play.

He likes to start with a few slower hymns and then build into pop music from the 50s, 60s and 70s like Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and the Carpenters.

The residents just love it and can often be seen swaying along to the music, tapping their fingers or toes, humming and singing along.

Taking into account the requests from residents and staff and the classical pieces he has thrown into the mix, Mamoru has played over 200 songs in the past year.

“It’s really my privilege to play and enjoy music myself but also to share that joy with others,” he said.

“After a piece sometimes I see them smile and that’s really good, or they’re engaged enough to sing, then I’m sure they enjoyed it.”

He also values the connections with residents because they are a similar age to his father, who still lives in Japan.

“I feel like I’m playing in front of my relatives and parents in the residents at The Lodge because their age is very close to my parents,” Mamoru said.

These special connections have all been made possible through the universal language of music.

Mamoru explained, “Half of my session participants have dementia but I feel I can connect with them deeper if I play music.

“Sometimes it can be harder to connect with them but when I play music they understand. 

“That’s the power of music - across the language barriers, or the age barriers, the generation gaps, music just removes it.

“That’s the power of music I feel every time I play.”

Mamoru encouraged anyone with a musical talent, amateur or professional, to take up a volunteer role in aged care.

He said it’s not just about the difference you can make for residents - it’s also rewarding for musicians.

Mamoru is particularly on the look out for a musician who could play alongside him at The Lodge, no qualifications needed.

“If you’re talented at music do it - I’m always alone and I need company!”

For more information about volunteering with Southern Cross Care, visit our Volunteers page.