Taeyoon Ahn Leads Recreational Piano Program for Adults 60 & Over

Beginning in late February, Taeyoon Ahn (DMA ’26, piano pedagogy & performance) will lead a free 10-week group piano program for adults aged 60 and older. A graduate student instructor (GSI) at SMTD, Ahn also teaches as part of the Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program (PPLP), which provides piano lessons to pre-college students from the community. The program will run from February 27–May 3, and participants must register by February 19.

Ahn has multiple goals for this program. “I want to connect with older adults in the Ann Arbor community and make piano learning as accessible as possible,” Ahn said. “By offering free group lessons, this project removes common barriers such as cost and prior experience while creating a welcoming social environment.” Ahn’s piano program also aligns with her research, which examines how this type of group piano experience may support cognitive function, motor skills, and social and psychological well-being in adults over 60. Ahn hopes that her research will ultimately inform music pedagogy for older adults and potentially support the development of scalable, community-based piano programs for healthy aging.

In addition to piano lessons, Ahn will evaluate the impact of the program on participants’ cognitive function, memory, motor skills, and various facets of psychological and social well-being. In addition to “helping participants develop a love for music and the confidence to play independently,” she expressed the hope that “the project shows that group piano learning can enhance cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social connection in older adults.”

Beginners are welcome – no experience is necessary – and participants must be able to follow instructions in English. Those taking the class will be asked to complete pre- and post-program surveys and cognitive assessments, and they must be willing to commit to the full 10-week program with weekly class attendance on U-M’s North Campus.

Ahn noted that the Department of Piano has provided essential support through access to facilities, pedagogical guidance, and encouragement to combine piano education with research on healthy aging. She shared, “This support has been key to developing a program that is both accessible and research-based.”

Those interested in participating can register by using this Google form. Questions can be directed to Taeyoon Ahn via email at taeyoona@umich.edu, or call 734-489-5925.