ALISON BALFOUR

My Musical Journey: From Rock Stages to Senior Centers

From belting out TV show theme songs on family road trips to releasing my first CD, I have always been obsessed with music. As a child, I loved singing and playing instruments like the recorder, clarinet, oboe, piano, guitar, and ukulele. In high school, I began writing my own songs, which made me want to learn more about the inner workings of music. So I put myself through college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

I kept writing songs and recorded my originals in various studios from Los Angeles to Boston. In 1990, I entered my song “Old Pictures” in the Billboard International Songwriters’ Contest and earned an Honorable Mention, placing in the top 10%.

For over thirty years, I have performed in a variety of settings, singing lead and harmony with local bands and covering classic rock and pop songs. Whether at fundraisers, senior centers, solo performances, or with a band, my goal is always to share music and bring joy to my audience.

In 2015, I started a new and rewarding chapter by leading activities at assisted living facilities. Running sing-along programs combined my love of music and my love for older adults in a fantastic way. Witnessing first-hand how music touched residents with dementia inspired me to make this my second career. Now, I’m looking for more chances to sing and play my ukulele for seniors and bring them happiness.