What Is It?

Kanikapila is a Hawiian word that describes people gathering together, usually spontaneously, to make music with family, friends and the community- just for fun! It literally means “let's play music"! This beautiful concept has inspired us to promote community music making in our own way.

Our version of Kanikapila is designed for retirement communities, nursing homes and even memory care units. Led by Todd Fulginiti, these 1 hour sessions bring residents and patients (even friends and family) together to sing familiar songs and to learn new ones, just for the joy of it. If desired, easy movement and folk dancing can be part of the session as well.

Modern culture has not carried on the once-popular pastime of group singing, but that doesn't mean that its benefits are invalid. Instead, the list of benefits is long and varied, including:

-reduced stress
-improved lung function
-stronger immune system
-reduced pain
-improved cardiovascular health
-better mood
-enhanced emotional expression
-reduced isolation/better connection to others
-enhanced memory
-improved brain activiy

Todd Fulginiti has over 25 years experience as a public school music teacher, where his entire curriculum was centered around the idea students making music for thier own enjoyment and for learning.  This approach has its shares many of its basic values with Kanikapila.

Sessions are priced affordably and aim to be budget-friendly. For communities interested in an expanded and more permanent Kanikapila experience, additional activities could include ukelele instruction, hand drumming experiences, barred instrument and hand chime activities, Drums Alive musical movement sessions, and even computer based musical composition. These additions would require a financial investment by the community, but owning musical equipment would  greatly expand the possibilities for organic, spontaneous Kanikapila in the community. A variety of packages and options are available.