Starting a Chapter

Bring The Melody Project to Your Community

Join a growing movement of students using music and creativity to bridge generations. You’ll lead meaningful programs that brighten the lives of older adults while developing real leadership skills, building community, and creating lasting impact.

Whether you’re passionate about music, healthcare, storytelling, or service, there’s a place for you here.

What You’ll Do

As a Chapter Founder, you and your team will:

  • Partner with a local senior community

  • Lead weekly or monthly music-based sessions

  • Bring creative activities to life (lyric discussions, shared playlists, rhythm games, personal storytelling, etc.)

  • Track and share your chapter’s impact

No musical experience required - just compassion, creativity, and commitment!

Why Start a Chapter?

  • You’ll bring joy, connection, and creativity to older adults in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities. Your chapter will lead music-inspired activities that improve residents’ mood, reduce loneliness, and foster meaningful relationships.

  • Chapter leaders gain experience in:

    • Team building

    • Program development

    • Community partnerships

    • Event planning

    • Volunteer coordination

    You’re not “just volunteering.” You’re running a real nonprofit program with national support.

  • The Melody Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been nationally recognized and has reached 150+ older adults across multiple senior communities. You won’t be starting from scratch — we give you everything you need.

  • Students who lead chapters stand out in:

    • College applications

    • Leadership portfolios

    • Resumes for healthcare, music, psychology, or community work

    • Service awards

    • Arts programs or pre-med pathways

What You’ll Get

Chapter Starter Kit

Step-by-step launch guide

  1. Suggested chapter roles & responsibilities

  2. Sample outreach emails (for schools & senior homes)

  3. Session activity templates

  4. Monthly planning checklist

  5. Photography & safety guidelines

Program Toolkit + Curriculum

10+ pre-designed music-based activities

  1. Conversation prompts

  2. Dementia-friendly facilitation tips

  3. Printable materials

Ongoing Support

Monthly onboarding and leadership training

  1. Access to a national student community

  2. One-on-one support from our leadership team

  3. Opportunities to share your chapter’s stories on our website & social media

Ready To Bring The Melody Project to Your Community?

Step 1 — Fill out the Chapter Interest Form

Step 2 — Meet with Our Team

Step 3 — Receive Your Starter Kit

Step 4 — Recruit Your Team & Connect with a Senior Community

Step 5 — Launch Your First Session!