This activity was created for older adults with and without dementia, but could be adapted for anyone who likes the music included in the activity. I focused this activity on the cognitive domain since the first two activities I created emphasized the need for movement. I also provided opportunities for reminiscence through discussion.

Music trivia allows the residents at Creekside to tap into their long-term memories. Memories of their favorite music would help them succeed during this activity by answering questions related to preferred songs or musical artists. I also centered the questions on a theme of U.S. states and travel; the questions begin with a song related to West Virginia, tour around the U.S., and return to Kentucky for the final question. After answering a question and listening to the song, there are discussion questions for the group to engage in for reminiscence. UDL principles were primarily implemented through multiple means of representation (e.g., seeing and hearing questions and choices through visual aids, spoken questions, and recorded music, as well as the unifying theme of travel). Opportunities for social awareness (SEL) are promoted through discussion questions that aim to connect the participants' experiences.

Materials needed include a sound device that can access either Spotify or YouTube and be heard clearly (e.g., smart TV with sufficient volume, phone paired with an external speaker, etc.); and the visual handout, preferably printed in color.

Here are the steps involved: 

1. Arrange participants so they are seated in a circle in groups (approx. 3-4 in each group), with participants turned slightly inward within groups if possible. Seating each group at a table might be another option.

2. Begin with first trivia question for first group. Read question clearly with visual aid held so the group can see. Allot plenty of time for groups to answer; if no one in the group responds initially, ask group members individually. If group is unable to choose the correct answer or does not respond, ask the second group the same question, then the third group if needed, and so on.

3. Once a group answers the question correctly, restate the question and correct answer for everyone.

4. Play the accompanying song recording for group to listen to and encourage singing along.

5. Ask accompanying discussion question to each group, encouraging group conversations when possible.

6. Continue with second trivia question, starting with the second group and repeating steps 2-5. Continue for remaining trivia and discussion questions.

Trivia and discussion questions to ask [correct answer in bold]:

1. Who originally sang “Take Me Home, Country Roads”: John Denver or Willie Nelson?

a. [Play “Take Me Home, Country Roads”]

b. Discussion prompts: “What do you remember about the place you grew up? What did you like about it there? What did you not like about it?”

2. What Louisiana State Song was established in 1977: “You Are My Sunshine” or “Walkin’ After Midnight”?

a. [Play “You Are My Sunshine”]

b. Discussion prompts: “Who is your ‘sunshine’? Who have you sung this song to before? [If spouse/life partner…] How did you meet them?”

3. What state does “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” describe escaping from: Utah or Kansas?

a. [Play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”]

b. Discussion prompts: “Do you remember a time when television didn’t have color? What movies did you like to watch?”

4. What year did Johnny Cash record “Folsom Prison Blues” live at Folsom State Prison: 1955 or 1968? [1955 was the original release date of the song.]

a. [Play “Folsom Prison Blues”]

b. Discussion prompts: “Who is one of your favorite musicians? Have you ever seen them perform live in concert?”

5. In “America the Beautiful,” what Colorado mountaintop is described as “purple mountain majesties”: Pikes Peak or Mount Rainier?

a. [Play “America the Beautiful”]

b. Discussion prompts: “Do you like nature activities like hiking, camping, or fishing? Who do you like to do these activities with?”

6. What is the official Bluegrass song of Kentucky: “Blue Moon of Kentucky” or “Kentucky Rain”?

a. [Play “Blue Moon of Kentucky”]

b. Discussion prompts: “Have you always lived in Kentucky? What do you know about your family origin or heritage?”

Below is a visual aid to represent each trivia question and a printable instruction handout.