Siena Students’ 45-Minute Concert Lights Up Loudonville Nursing Home, Easing Isolation

Loudonville, NY — A group of Siena College students brought live music and a dose of connection to a local nursing home this week, performing a 45-minute set for residents who clapped, sang along and swapped stories with the performers afterward.

Roughly 15 to 20 undergraduates from Siena’s music and performing arts programs visited the 120-bed Siena Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on October 25 as part of the college’s “Siena Serves” initiative. The afternoon concert featured classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” seasonal favorites, and several student-composed pieces inspired by residents’ life stories collected in pre-visit workshops.

About 50 residents, many in their 80s and 90s, filled the community room, which was dressed in fall decorations. One standout moment came when 92-year-old Margaret Thompson joined a student soprano for a brief duet, drawing cheers from the crowd and tears from family members watching via video call — a nod to facilities’ continued use of hybrid visitation after the pandemic.

Music as connection

“Music has this magical way of transcending generations,” said Dr. Elena Rossi, the Siena music professor who led the visit. “Seeing these residents light up, sharing stories from their youth — it’s why we do this.”

Facility leaders say these events have become a lifeline as senior care communities continue to rebuild social routines disrupted during COVID-19. “Post-pandemic, isolation was devastating; these performances bring joy and remind us of the community’s support,” said administrator Lisa Marino.

Families echoed that sentiment. “Mom hasn’t smiled like that in months,” said Jane Thompson, Margaret’s daughter. “With work, I can’t visit often, but knowing students are there — it’s comforting.”

Third visit this year — with more planned

According to organizers, this was the third student concert at the center in 2025, following spring and summer performances. The series is designed to combat loneliness and engage residents with dementia and mobility challenges in safe, upbeat settings. Students capped the visit by handing out handmade cards and cookies and staying for one-on-one conversations. A return visit is planned for December.

Research has long tied music to better mood and reduced agitation in long-term care, and Siena’s team leans on that evidence. College leaders say the program also gives students hands-on experience in community engagement while strengthening ties across generations — a core part of the school’s Franciscan mission.

Broader trend in senior care

Facilities across New York have expanded volunteer programming since pandemic restrictions eased, according to state figures, with many turning to intergenerational activities to address loneliness. Advocates estimate a significant share of nursing home residents report frequent isolation; studies show music and social activities can improve well-being for most participants.

Operators note these partnerships can support quality goals by boosting resident satisfaction and participation in activities — key measures regulators review. New York rules require “meaningful activities” tailored to each resident’s interests, and leaders say events like Siena’s help meet that bar while keeping costs manageable compared with formal therapy programs.

National elder care advocates have urged colleges and community groups to replicate the model, especially as staffing shortages pressure activity departments. “Intergenerational programs combat the loneliness epidemic,” said long-term care advocate Bob Blancato in a recent commentary, adding that broader policy support could help spread the approach to rural areas that lack ready access to volunteers.

Safety, compliance and results

The nursing home followed current visitor protocols during the event; no disruptions were reported. Staff say the impact was immediate but not fleeting, with activity teams building follow-up around residents’ favorite songs and stories.

For Siena’s students, the afternoon was more than a performance. “Our students leave inspired,” Rossi said. “And the elders feel seen again.”