Album Notes

You can listen to audio for this video tape on the CD version of Piano Magic and Musical Memories - PBS speical offer for 2 CDs of Piano Magic and Musical Memories also for sale on this website.

This is a 1 hour video tape (VHS) that will provide many hours of pleasant experience for anyone in a care situation, but particularly those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The music on this tape has been included by PBS on their website for Alzheimer's disease (www.pbs.org/theforgetting) because it has been shown to be so effective. Part of the web site is The Living Center, which is an interactive site and includes a "radio" for people to listen to music. They are using all of the music from our Piano Magic and Musical Memories Series Volume 1, in addition to other public domain songs that are available on our web site (www.heart-soul-music.com). They have also listed us a major resource for musicians who want information on how to perform shows in nursing homes.

Biography of the Artist - Robert Goldstick has been playing piano for 53 of his 60 years and has loved every minute of it. He's played many different venues, including elementary school shows, Hollywood musicals, piano bars in New York City, Paris, and San Francisco, as well as blues, jazz, and rock-n-roll bands around the country. From 1987 to 1993, he played at Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch in Carmel, California, where he perfected the piano bar experience.

But the "work" he enjoys the most is the "work" he does when given the opportunity to entertain our elders in convalescent hospitals/retirement homes. He has performed about 30 shows a month at these facilities since 1993.

This all started one day when he was meeting his daughter at a convalescent hospital in Santa Cruz, CA, and she suggested he play a song or two for the folks. The room was very quiet with people just passing the time, the way they do all day, every day.

"At that time I was performing piano bar at the Mission Ranch in Carmel where one of the favorite songs of the older patrons was I Can't Give You Anything But Love, so I thought I'd try that. The change in the room was dramatic. It was a party. People started singing along, tapping their feet, clapping their hands. One fellow got out of his wheelchair and started to dance with a nurse. (I found out later he hadn't done that for over two years!) The music's effect was truly magical. This same scenario is repeated EVERY time I play a show - people sing, tap their feet, and some are inspired to dance. It is truly a wonderful gift for me to be able to bring so much joy to folks who need it so much."

Numerous clinical studies have been performed, showing the positive results of music for residents in nursing homes and convalescent hospitals. Eating habits improved; wandering lessened; anxiety and restlessness were curbed.

After performing many shows I realized that, although it was wonderful to see what happens when I perform, I was also cognizant of the fact that after I leave there is a big let down. Therefore, I developed this series of CDs and videos, Piano Magic and Musical Memories consisting of solo piano renditions of favorite songs. Residents just love to sit and listen to these melodies over and over and, the music truly helps them get through another challenging day.

But you don't have to be in a nursing home to thoroughly enjoy this music. It will lull you to a dreamy state and calm you down no matter how old you are. These songs just are that beautiful!