Updated October 29, 2025
Hello and welcome!
We are recruiting participants for 2026.
If you are interested in participating in the Music Training Study, please call
(415) 353-7660
Please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible, within two to three business days. Our callback hours are Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Please note that we cannot receive or send text messages. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Important information:
Open to adults 60 and over
You will be randomly assigned to either the piano improvisation or music listening group. That is, you have a 50/50 chance (like flipping a coin) of being assigned to either the piano improvisation OR the music listening group. You will not be able to choose the group.
No music experience necessary. Beginners encouraged
Study involves 90-minute sessions weekly for 12 weeks
Participation is voluntary and all information will be kept private
You can receive up to $100 for taking part in the study
Why is this study being done?
The purpose of this study is to understand how music training affects thinking abilities and well-being
in older adults. This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Where will the study take place? In 2026, the study will take place at these sites:
MNC
362 Capp St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Between 18th and 19th
We are in the process of identifying a second site.
For more information, please call
(415) 353-7660
Learn more about Julene Johnson, PhD:
UCSF Magazine, Can Music Benefit Our Brains? Summer 2025
Julene Johnson has a long history of working with the San Francisco community. 20 years ago, Julene Johnson teamed up with nonprofit partners to launch a study on the impact of choirs on older adults. She was interviewed on KALW about that project.
Listen to Neighborhood choirs as public health solutions
