Alabama: Music in Service at Kirkwood by the River

A VMA Junior Program member recently brought the gift of live music to Kirkwood by the River in Alabama, creating a meaningful connection between a young musician and a community of older adults.

Kirkwood by the River is a vibrant senior living community serving residents across a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. Through music, young musicians have an opportunity to connect with residents in each of these settings and share something that reaches beyond age or circumstance.

At Kirkwood, Sandra Girouard, a VMA Educational Partner, teaches a variety of musical genres and leads a ukulele group within the community. Her work demonstrates how music can become a shared language—one that brings people together, encourages participation, and creates moments of joy.

For VMA Junior Program members, an outreach concert is more than simply performing for an audience. It is an opportunity to use their musical gifts in service of others.

We believe young musicians have something valuable to give. When students step beyond the practice room and into their communities, they begin to see their music differently—not simply as something they perform, but as something they can use to connect, serve, and make a difference.

We don't give students a stage; we give students a purpose for the stage.

This is what Music in Service looks like: young musicians using what they have learned to bring joy to others.

We’re grateful to share this moment while respecting the privacy of our young musicians and their families.