Gala Reception at CCM to Benefit Flagship Ohio Music and Wellness Program for Seniors

A gala benefit reception, piano performance and lecture will be held on Nov. 7, 2008, at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory-College of Music’s Patricia Corbett Theater to support the innovative Southwest Clavinova Connection program for seniors.

The event is presented by the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio and the Preparatory Department of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (“CCM Prep”). Additional partners include the Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute, Inc., Henderson Music, Cincinnati Area Senior Services and the Colerain Township and Senior Community Center.

Proceeds from the evening will assist in the permanent acquisition of high-tech Yamaha Clavinova digital piano labs utilized by older adults in Southwestern Ohio, generously on loan from local Yamaha piano dealer Henderson Music.

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The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., which will feature musical performances by Cincinnati Bengals player Ben Utecht and coach Paul Alexander, a piano student at CCM Prep. The cocktail reception will be followed by a lecture from Barry Bittman, M.D., the founder of the Clavinova Connection program, who will introduce the program and reveal current scientific research recently completed in local classes. The evening concludes with a 7:30 p.m. lecture/concert by Richard Kogan, MD, that explores the psychosocial benefits of musical expression. 

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Tickets and Information
Cost for the evening is $100. Limited tickets for priority seating and an opportunity to meet Dr. Kogan and Dr. Bittman are $150. Limited student and senior tickets are available at $25.

Guests at the $150 level will also enjoy a post-concert reception and meet both Dr. Bittman and Dr. Kogan. All guests will also have the opportunity to play and explore the technology of the Yamaha Clavinova digital piano.

For ticket information, please contact the Council  on Aging at 513-345-8629. For more information on the Council on Aging, visit www.help4seniors.org. For more information on the CCM Preparatory Department, visit www.ccm.uc.edu/prep.

About Dr. Richard Kogan
Richard Kogan, MD, is a highly acclaimed concert pianist and psychiatrist. Dr. Kogan is a graduate of The Juilliard School of Music Pre-College, Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, and he is the Director of the Weill-Cornell Medical School’s Human Sexuality Program.

About Dr. Barry Bittman
Barry Bittman, MD, is a neurologist, author, international speaker, award-winning producer/director and inventor. As CEO and Medical Director of the Mind-Body Wellness Center, Dr. Bittman has pioneered a new paradigm for treating the “whole person.”

About Clavinova Connection
Clavinova Connection is an evidence-based recreational-music making program for older adults. Research by Dr. Bittman has shown that participation in this program reduces anxiety and stress as well as boosts morale and confidence. The Cincinnati Clavinova Connection is the first such program in Ohio, as well as the first in the country targeted specifically toward adults in senior centers. Research on this program is being conducted by Dr. Bittman, with the participation of over 100 local seniors. For more information visit www.clavinovaconnection.com.