The Individual & Social Benefits of Music

You might think that Me & Martha just sing some songs and tell a few jokes, right? Not really! 
Whether an individual is a passive listener or an active music maker the psycho/social benefits of music are undeniable. Research has shown that active listening to music can improve respiration, lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, relax muscle tension, help decrease pain by increasing levels of endorphins and increase immunologic function.

Live music performances can also be a powerful distraction during times of pain and discomfort. Music's power lies in its ability to facilitate self-expression through rhythm and song.  Simply being present at a music performance can reduce anxiety and stress. A positive musical experience encourages healthy communication and validates a person's life experiences.

Our performances can be themed to enhance your current programs for memory and life enrichment.  Me & Martha know over 1,000 songs and put together a different show for each visit.  Thinking about a Hawaii Luau, Cowboy/Country Western Hoe Down, or Senior Prom (we also have a picture slide show to add to the musical experience).  

The music Me & Martha play includes songs from the folk, traditional country, bluegrass and gospel musics.  A lot of their songs people have heard before.  They provide a brief history of the song, the song's era and of the various instruments played in Mountain Music.  They encourage audience participation and the audience can see the instruments as well as touch them. They even offer some thought provoking stories and trivia. 

Did you know the Mountain Dulcimer originated in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley in the late 1700?  or That the ukulele is not originally from Hawaii but has a Portuguese tradition and brought to the islands by sailors?

Both Don and Martha's background is in education and they have a natural intimate ease with their audience. Don has a Phd. in Music & Popular Culture and a Master's degree in Education and Martha's education is in early childhood development and Martha teaches music to children in the Preparatory Music Program at Eastern Mennonite University.  Both Don and Martha are seasoned educators as well as stage performers.  Added to all this is their ability to personally connect with each member of their audience.