More About Keeping the Mind in Tune - Senior Music Classes
Keeping the Mind in Tune: Music for the Joy of Learning
10-Week Course for Seniors
Taught by Dakota Karper
Research shows that learning new skills — especially music — can keep the brain sharp and even strengthen memory as we age. Making music engages the entire brain, improving coordination, focus, and mood while fostering connection and joy.
Designed for those who have never considered themselves musicians, this ten-week class for complete beginners will focus on the basics of playing and singing simple, traditional tunes. Ukuleles and mountain dulcimers will be the main teaching instruments, but students are welcome to bring their own guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, etc, or simply their voice.
A limited number of loaner instruments (ukuleles and dulcimers) are available, and participants who own their own instrument are encouraged to bring it. Classes emphasize learning by ear, group music-making, and repetition — all powerful ways to build brain circuits, strengthen memory, and grow confidence. You’ll leave with a few tunes you can play from memory and the lasting satisfaction of discovering that it’s never too late to start making music.
Benefits include:
Improved memory and attention
Increased hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
Enhanced mood and social connection
A fun, low-stress way to keep your brain healthy
Schedule: Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, August 6 – October 9, 2026 (10 weeks)
Cost: $15 per class / $150 for the full 10-week course.
Scholarships available upon request.
10-Week Course for Seniors
Taught by Dakota Karper
Research shows that learning new skills — especially music — can keep the brain sharp and even strengthen memory as we age. Making music engages the entire brain, improving coordination, focus, and mood while fostering connection and joy.
Designed for those who have never considered themselves musicians, this ten-week class for complete beginners will focus on the basics of playing and singing simple, traditional tunes. Ukuleles and mountain dulcimers will be the main teaching instruments, but students are welcome to bring their own guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, etc, or simply their voice.
A limited number of loaner instruments (ukuleles and dulcimers) are available, and participants who own their own instrument are encouraged to bring it. Classes emphasize learning by ear, group music-making, and repetition — all powerful ways to build brain circuits, strengthen memory, and grow confidence. You’ll leave with a few tunes you can play from memory and the lasting satisfaction of discovering that it’s never too late to start making music.
Benefits include:
Improved memory and attention
Increased hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
Enhanced mood and social connection
A fun, low-stress way to keep your brain healthy
Schedule: Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, August 6 – October 9, 2026 (10 weeks)
Cost: $15 per class / $150 for the full 10-week course.
Scholarships available upon request.
Date & Time
August 6, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm
Additional Dates
This event also occurs on:
08/13/2026, 08/20/2026, 08/27/2026, 09/03/2026 and 5 other dates
Location
The Cat and The Fiddle
152 Capon School St
Capon Bridge, WV 26711
Contact Info
Dakota Karper
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More About The Cat and The Fiddle
The Cat and The Fiddle is a music school located in Capon Bridge, WV, with a primary focus on traditional Appalachian music. Our teachers provide private lessons for a wide range of instruments and we also host free Old Time Jams several times a month where musicians, dancers, and listeners are all welcome.
Additional Details
Location
The Cat and The Fiddle
152 Capon School St
Capon Bridge, West Virginia 26711
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