Growing up and growing old: communities in counterpoint

Using a socio‐cultural lens, this study explores two unique populations participating in an intergenerational music experience: seven infants/caregivers (ages 3–16 months) and eight retired women religious (ages 70–94). I was curious to examine how music‐making across ages might facilitate new‐found meaning for old people whilst simultaneously providing an opportunity for elders to contribute to the meaningfulness of musical experience for infants/caregivers. The researcher‐music teacher functioned as participant/observer. Six 1‐hour music sessions were offered at an independent Music Center in the USA. The videotaped sessions were reviewed and coded using peer/adult awareness as guideposts. In particular, gesture and non‐verbal communication was noted, proving to be helpful in following the trail of interactions and the quality of engagement. Participant journals and notes of informal conversations with caregivers and Sisters before/after the sessions were compiled as important complementary data to the videotaped sessions. Additionally, caregivers and Sisters completed a brief questionnaire at the end of the session inquiring about their experience.