Hi, I’m Emily Cornish
Music has always been at the center of who I am and so has a deep love for older adults. As a child, I was very close to my grandmother, and from an early age I found joy in connecting with and learning from seniors. One of my first jobs was working in the activities department of an assisted living community, where I discovered how powerful presence, compassion, and meaningful connection can be.
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University of Washington, then pursued my Master's in Music Therapy from Maryville University, combining my two greatest passions in one career. I've been a Board Certified Music Therapist since 2013, and have spent over a decade working exclusively with seniors in assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing settings.
I believe I have the best job in the world: I get to play music every day and bring moments of joy, connection, and comfort to the people I serve. When a resident who hasn't spoken in days starts to sing along, or smiles for the first time in weeks. Those are the moments that remind me exactly why I do this work.
My Approach
I believe that every individual deserves a music therapy experience that is personalized, engaging, and meaningful. Each one-hour session is thoughtfully tailored to meet the unique needs, preferences, and goals of my clients. I combine live music performed on acoustic guitar with carefully selected recorded music to create sessions that are both familiar and interactive.
To encourage participation and enjoyment, I incorporate a variety of percussion instruments such as shakers, maracas, and tambourines, along with opportunities for movement and active music-making throughout each session. I also provide large-print sing-along lyric sheets to ensure music is accessible and easy to follow.
I collaborate closely with family members and care staff to better understand each client’s background, strengths, interests, and therapeutic goals. Before every session, I thoughtfully plan activities and musical selections to create structure, purpose, and meaningful therapeutic experiences. Between songs, I facilitate reminiscence conversations that encourage connection, storytelling, and emotional expression.
My repertoire spans many musical eras, from the 1920s through the 1960s, and I am continually expanding my song library to reflect the musical backgrounds and preferences of those I serve.
Above all, I place each client front and center, using music to foster joy, comfort, connection, and meaningful engagement.
Who We Serve
Cornish Music Therapy provides services for older adults across a variety of senior care settings. Sessions are adapted to meet each individual where they are physically, cognitively, and emotionally.
We commonly serve individuals in:
Adult Family Homes and Small Care Settings
Smaller environments allow for highly personalized music therapy sessions that bring meaningful engagement to residents who may have limited activity options.
Assisted Living Communities
Music therapy helps residents stay socially engaged, maintain cognitive stimulation, and enjoy meaningful group experiences that build community.
Memory Care Communities
For individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, music therapy can stimulate memory, reduce agitation, and provide moments of recognition and connection through familiar songs.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Residents in nursing homes benefit from music therapy through increased engagement, emotional support, and opportunities for social interaction.
Individuals at Home
Individuals receiving care at home can benefit from personalized music therapy sessions that promote emotional well-being, cognitive engagement, comfort, and meaningful connection in a familiar environment.
Palliative and Hospice Care
Music therapy can provide comfort, relaxation, and emotional support during serious illness, offering meaningful experiences for both clients and their families.
What a Typical Music Therapy Session Looks Like
Music therapy sessions can be offered in group settings or individual sessions, depending on the needs of the facility and residents.
Group Sessions
Group music therapy sessions are interactive and engaging. Residents participate in a variety of musical experiences designed to encourage connection and participation.
A typical group session may include:
Singing familiar songs from different eras
Playing simple percussion instruments
Musical games and rhythm activities
Movement to music or gentle exercise
Reminiscence and storytelling connected to songs
These sessions are designed so that residents of many ability levels can participate and experience success.
Individual Sessions
Individual music therapy sessions provide more personalized support and are often used for residents who may benefit from one-on-one attention.
These sessions may focus on:
Memory stimulation and reminiscence
Emotional support and self-expression
Relaxation and anxiety reduction
Support during palliative or hospice care
The music therapist carefully selects music based on the resident’s personal history, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
A Meaningful Addition to Senior Care
Music therapy brings a unique combination of clinical care and meaningful human connection. By using music intentionally, sessions help residents remain engaged, express themselves, and experience moments of joy and connection throughout the aging process.
Ready to see what music therapy can do for your residents?
The best way to understand the impact is to experience it firsthand. Reach out to learn about scheduling, pricing, or to request a complimentary session for your community.