Who We Are
The Circle of Music is a unique, intergenerational choir in the Kitchener-Waterloo community that brings together people living with dementia, their care partners, and high school student volunteers to share in the joy of music-making and connection. The Circle of Music was founded in 2017 by Wilfrid Laurier University alumna, Sasha Judelson, as part of her capstone project for the Community Music Masters’ degree. This initiative has grown into a beloved weekly gathering rooted in compassion, inclusion, and research.
Each week, consistent trios, made up of a student from local high school, Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute, a person living with dementia, and their care partner gather in Kitchener, Ontario, for rehearsals filled with song, laughter, and conversation. There is no expectation of musical experience; enthusiasm and openness are what matter most. All words and music are provided, and each session includes time to connect over tea after singing together.
From its outset, the Circle of Music’s evolution has been guided by ongoing research. Through mood check-ins and observational research, interviews and surveys the program continues to explore how music can positively affect well-being, memory, and emotional connection. From fall 2025 we will be introducing percussion instruments into some sessions and plan to explore the potential impact of the instruments. The Research tab on this website shows some of the papers and book chapters which disseminate the research undertaken by Sasha Judelson and Lee Willingham.
In recognition of its impact, The Circle of Music was recently awarded a $49,915 grant from the Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation. This generous support will fund the creation of a documentary film and an expanded website to share our story and offer resources for communities interested in launching similar choirs of their own, who will be able to use the Circle of Music as their model.
Supported by the New Horizons Project for Seniors, SSHRC, the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo-Wellington, MAREP, and more, The Circle of Music continues to demonstrate the transformative power of music to bring people together across generations, and to create space for joy, dignity, and care.
Sasha and Lee have also been supported over the years by several Research Assistants and Co-op students. They would like to extend heartfelt thanks for the contributions their work has made: Natalie Kroetsch, Rebecca Del Genio, Logan Reis,
Graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Master of Arts in Community Music and founder of The Circle of Music.
Professor, Music Education; Coordinator, Music Education; Graduate Coordinator, MA and PhD (Community Music) at Wilfrid Laurier University
Intergenerational Matters
At the heart of The Circle of Music is the belief that meaningful connection happens across generations. Our choir brings together older adults living with dementia, their care partners, and high school students in a space where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
This intergenerational model is essential, not just for the joy it brings, but for the powerful relationships it builds. When the same student is paired weekly with the same care partner and choir member, a bond forms that goes far beyond the music. These connections combat isolation, challenge stereotypes, and create a sense of shared purpose.For students, it's a chance to learn empathy, patience, and the richness of stories from another generation. For older adults, it’s a chance to feel energized, respected, and deeply connected. Together, these groups form a true community; one that sings, laughs, and grows side by side.
In a world that often separates us by age, The Circle of Music brings us back together, one song at a time.