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Bring comfort, joy, and connection home—one song at a time.

Music connects us to who we are.

Even when memory fades, a favorite song can unlock something profound: a smile, a spark, a story. For North Carolinians living with dementia, music isn’t just a background soundtrack. It’s a powerful tool that brings moments of calm, lifts moods, surfaces memories, and helps caregivers feel more connected to their loved ones.

My Music NC, presented by Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, provides free, personalized playlist tools & Music and Memory at Home kits to families across North Carolina. Whether you’re unsure what music to add to your listener’s playlist or need a complete music kit, we’re here to help you bring more peace and joy into everyday care.

“From the very beginning, this has been a wonderful experience for Jim and for me. It has been such fun to see Jim’s eyes light up when he listens to “his” music. The first time he listened to his playlist, he said it brought back a flood of happy memories. He finds such joy in listening to his songs, over and over. This is a wonderful gift to us that keeps on giving.”

— Babs, Caregiver in Apex

Music Can Have a Big Impact

Music isn’t just for fun; it can comfort, connect, and make care easier. For people living with dementia, familiar songs can bring back memories, calm tough moments, and make everyday routines feel more meaningful. Music can help improve a care routine because:

    • It touches parts of the brain tied to feelings and long-term memory.
    • Music can lower stress and help provide a sense of belonging and comfort, improving mood and reducing depressive symptoms.
    • Listening to music has been shown to reduce agitation, restlessness, wandering, and resistance to care.

These benefits can occur across all stages of dementia.

The My Music NC program believes that every caregiver can benefit from using music in care. You don’t need to be a musician or know a lot about technology. Just start with the songs your loved one has always enjoyed.

Who Can Participate

Anyone in North Carolina who has a dementia diagnosis and is still living at home can use this program. The main caregiver and the person using the program must both live in North Carolina. There is no cost for families—this program is our gift to support you throughout the dementia journey.

Get Started

Download an application for a music kit to your desktop and complete the questionnaire offline. Once completed, save file with the name of the recipient and e-mail it to mymusic@dementianc.org or mail a printed copy to:
Dementia Alliance of NC
9131 Anson Way, Suite 206
Raleigh, NC 27615.

Get an Application to Start

Certified Music & Memory at Home Provider Serving NC Caregivers

Since 2019, Dementia Alliance of NC has been a certified Music & Memory at Home provider. Music & Memory ® is a service of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), a leader in advancing the therapeutic power of music to awaken, stimulate, and heal. musicandmemory.org

This Program Is Free for Families Because of Donors Like You

More than 210,000 North Carolinians are living with dementia, and that number is growing. My Music NC is entirely supported by donations. Every playlist we create, every kit we ship, every caregiver we support… It’s all made possible by generous people who believe in the power of music.

Will you help us reach even more families across North Carolina? Your gift ensures this program remains free for those who need it most.

Donate to Support My Music NC

Made possible in part by donations from the John & Mary Anne Barrett Charitable Fund, the Jimmy Roy Black Memorial Fund, and Eisai.

Because sometimes, one song is all it takes.