Senior Living - Percussion Play

Music for Every Generation | Outdoor Instruments for Senior Living Communities

At Percussion Play, we believe music brings joy at every stage of our lives, continuing to enrich, inspire, and connect us. Our outdoor musical instruments are designed to bring people together, spark creativity, and encourage gentle movement in a way that’s accessible to all, including older adults.

Whether installed in a sensory garden, memory care courtyard, or shared outdoor space, our instruments help promote wellbeing, reduce isolation, and foster meaningful moments between residents, staff, families, and visitors.

Durable, inclusive, and easy to play, they transform any outdoor area into a welcoming environment filled with the sound of laughter, rhythm, and community.

Discover how music can enhance life in your senior living community.

Babel Drum

Creates calming, melodic tones that help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Ideal for seniors, it supports sensory stimulation, gentle movement, and emotional well-being. Easy to play and accessible to all, it's perfect for memory care gardens and wellness-focused outdoor spaces.

Duo

An accessible outdoor xylophone designed for two people to play together, making it ideal for social and therapeutic use in senior communities. Its calming tones support relaxation, cognitive engagement, and gentle physical activity — perfect for wellness programs and sensory gardens.

Cavatina

A vibrant outdoor xylophone with color-coded notes and an optional music book, making it easy for seniors to play familiar melodies. Following the colored notes engages hand-eye coordination, supports cognitive function, and encourages gentle movement—perfect for therapy, relaxation, and joyful social interaction.

Harmony

A vertically mounted outdoor xylophone, tuned to a calming pentatonic scale with very soft, melodic tones. Its upright design encourages gentle gross motor movement, while promoting relaxation, cognitive engagement, and social interaction

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Case Study: Laclede Groves' Harmony Garden Creates a Musical Conversation

At Laclede Groves, a Lutheran Senior Services community in Missouri, music therapist Emily Sitzes envisioned an inclusive outdoor space to enhance residents' well-being. This vision led to the creation of the Harmony Garden—a vibrant courtyard filled with Percussion Play instruments like Calypso Chimes, Rainbow Chimes, and Harmony Flowers. Designed for accessibility and ease of play, the garden encourages spontaneous musical expression, benefiting residents, families, and staff alike. Notably, it has become a therapeutic haven for individuals with dementia, facilitating non-verbal communication and joyful interactions.

Read the full story here

Catalog Download

Discover how outdoor musical instruments can enhance wellness, creativity, and connection in senior living communities with our free guide: "Outdoor Musical Instruments for Senior Living Communities." This resource is packed with insights, real-world examples, and expert tips on designing inclusive, engaging outdoor spaces that support healthy aging through the power of music.

Outdoor Musical Instruments for Senior Living Communities

White Paper

A new white paper highlights the powerful impact of music and musical play on seniors’ quality of life. It explores how music can foster a sense of community, uplift mood, stimulate memory, encourage gentle movement, spark creativity, reduce anxiety, and enhance coordination—making it a valuable tool for supporting healthy aging.

Young at Heart The Benefits of Music and Outdoor Musical Play for Older Adults.pdf

Podcast

Discover the incredible benefits of outdoor music for seniors in this inspiring podcast episode. Learn how one elder care community is thriving with the addition of a music garden, and hear from doctors and researchers about how music supports cognitive function, mental well-being, and physical health.

Plus, find out why Denmark is leading the way in senior care—using music to create joyful, engaging environments that enhance quality of life.

The Power of Intergenerational Outdoor Musical Play

Discover how outdoor musical instruments create joyful, inclusive spaces for all ages. Learn the benefits of intergenerational music-making and how your community can get involved.

Growing trend for Dementia-Friendly Gardens in Care and Senior Living Settings

Explore the impact of outdoor music gardens during Dementia Awareness Week, fostering joy and well-being for individuals living with dementia in senior living settings.

Top 5 Outdoor Musical Instruments from Percussion Play for Senior Living Environments

Discover the top 5 outdoor musical instruments from Percussion Play for senior living environments. Enhance wellbeing, encourage creativity, and promote socialization with easy-to-play, therapeutic instruments.

Exploring the Power of Outdoor Music in Later Life: New UK Pilot Study Launches

Discover how a groundbreaking UK pilot study is exploring the benefits of outdoor music-making for older adults and people living with dementia,

FAQs

Are the instruments easy for seniors to play?

Yes! Percussion Play instruments are designed to be intuitive and accessible for people of all abilities — no musical background is required. They are "no wrong note" instruments, meaning every sound produced is harmonious and pleasant.

Can these instruments be installed in existing gardens or courtyards?

Yes. Our instruments are versatile and can be installed in nearly any outdoor space, including gardens, courtyards, walking paths, and therapy areas. They are weather-resistant and require minimal maintenance.

How do these instruments support programming in senior living communities?

They’re perfect for wellness, music therapy, and intergenerational programming. Communities use them to promote group interaction, encourage movement during outdoor activities, and create engaging, multisensory experiences for residents.

Do the instruments create a lot of noise or disturb other residents?

No. While they produce rich, resonant tones, our instruments are designed for outdoor use and offer a soothing, melodic sound rather than loud or jarring noise. They enhance outdoor ambiance without disrupting the environment.

GET IN TOUCH WITH KATE

Kate Mannering is Sales Manager at Percussion Play, specializing in helping senior living communities create engaging outdoor spaces with musical instruments. She works closely with providers to promote wellness, social connection, and cognitive stimulation through inclusive musical play, enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Email Kate

Outdoor Musical Therapy for Senior Living Communities