Nestled in the heart of Brentwood, a unique organization is making a difference in the world of music therapy. Music Mends Minds, founded by Carol Rosenstein, is dedicated to showcasing the transformative and healing power of music for individuals with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. What started as a local initiative has now grown into a wonderful worldwide movement.
Carol discovered her passion for music therapy after her husband was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease. The first time she witnessed the profound impact of music was when he played piano. She saw him light up with both joy and mental clarity.
This personal revelation inspired her to share the healing power of music with others, using it as a therapeutic tool for those affected by neurological diseases. It has now been ten years since Carol created Music Mends Minds.
“Suddenly the gift of music became something that I could help to fix something that was unfixable,” described Carol.
Music Mends Minds started humbly, with 30 people meeting at Windward School in West Los Angeles. Now, there are chapters all across Los Angeles and the world. This group consists of members from all over the Westside, and calls itself the 5th Dementia. They meet every Thursday for an hourlong rehearsal. About 50% of the group suffers with a neurodegenerative condition. The others are musicians and singers who enjoy playing with them.
This weekly hour offers band members a chance to truly be themselves. Their faces light up as they strum their guitars, sing into the microphone, or play harmonicas. The music fills the room with a kind of vibrancy and emotion that goes beyond the medical diagnoses that many of them face.
“When you lose your voice and the ability to speak clearly, my doctor said singing was the best thing to do, to keep that. And, it's a fun therapy,” said Carol Hicks, one of the original members of the 5th Dementia. The mission of Music Mends Minds is to harness the power of music to unlock memories, improve mental health, and provide emotional support for individuals and their families. But, beyond that, it fosters joy, connection, and purpose.
“To have a program like this, that really gets to the heart of the matter, is incredible. There are things in all of us that remain, no matter what happens. And music, we're so lucky, is one of them,” said Monika White, a local musician who plays in the group’s band.
The organization has become a place of belonging, where music transcends health barriers and brings people together.
“They’re lost in space, and the music gives them a common thread to jump on and have fun, knowing that nobody is judging. They can let their hair down,” said Carol. “Many find new identities, and some even find new love,” she added.
Music Mends Minds continues to grow. Carol, along with Executive Director John Kander II, is working to expand the organization and share the healing power of music worldwide.
“Music as medicine is not a new concept. It is a proven one. Music Mends Minds, however, is the only organization dedicated to taking it to scale. We are now collaborating with public sector aging, arts, parks, and health agencies to democratize the medicine of music to establish new groups throughout the community,” explained John.
Join the 5th Dementia for their free holiday concert, December 7 at 2 p.m., located at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church on the corner of Bundy and San Vicente Blvd. Experience, firsthand, the moving impact music has on individuals across the community.
Music Mends Minds holds weekly rehearsals, offers virtual Zoom sessions, and hosts a podcast series called Music is Medicine. To learn more, join the organization, or make a donation, visit musicmendsminds.org.
By Gabriella Sonnhalter
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