Alexis Baker, MT-BC, CDP
Founder & Owner, Music Therapist
Alexis Baker is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and founder of Bridgetown Music Therapy. Her mission as a music therapist is to spark joy, create connections, and improve quality of life through meaningful music engagement. Alexis is passionate about using music to make a difference for older adults living with dementia.
After many years spent serving clients in person as a traveling music therapist, Alexis pivoted her business online in 2020. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, she and her husband, a professional videographer, decided to collaborate by combining their skills. They initially launched Bridgetown's Virtual Music Engagement Program with just four videos. Now, the program features an extensive, on-demand Video Library containing hundreds of therapeutic music sessions. Their dementia-friendly program focuses on meaningful engagement through music-based activities such as singing, rhythm and movement, gentle stretching, deep breathing/relaxation, and instrument play. Alexis includes an incredible range of genres, styles, and fun themes—there is something for everyone. This program has been described as a game changer for people with dementia and their care staff such as Activity Directors and Family Caregivers.
Lindsey Bretzman, ADC, CDP
Life Enrichment Specialist
Lindsey is a passionate Life Enrichment Specialist, who after caring for her grandfather for many years, has worked in senior living since 2010. Lindsey's commitment to meaningful engagement, integrity, and dignity are reflected in her work. She has worked in a variety of senior living settings and specializes in memory care programming. Lindsey is credentialed as a Certified Activity Director and Certified Dementia Practitioner. Lindsey's "heart work" and dedication has earned her program awards through both the Oregon Healthcare Association and LeadingAge Oregon.
Join Lindsey for an upcoming demo of our Virtual Music Engagement Program! Enjoy a live virtual tour of the video library as Lindsey shares her favorite program features and answers any questions you may have. Click here to sign up.Â
Not available for an upcoming group program tour? Email Lindsey anytime to schedule your 1:1 demo.
Tom Baker
Videographer & Webmaster
Tom is a creative and entrepreneur, who is passionate about serving people. He has been a commercial photographer and videographer for over 15 years, working with clients such as Nike, HGTV, MLB, CNN, The Today Show and dozens of others, getting published in dozens of magazines, books and television spots. He’s also spent this time developing relationships and creating content for nonprofits around the world, which led to him and his wife Alexis to create 501 Collective, a nonprofit partnering with NGOs around the world.
HUNDREDS of therapeutic music sessions for your Loved One with dementia
Enjoy any time of day from the comfort of home.
#1 Resource for music programming in Memory Care, Adult Day & other care settings
Engaging, fun & therapeutic with unlimited 24/7 access.
Bridgetown Music Therapy, LLC
Bridgetown Music Therapy began sparking joy in 2017. The name is based on the analogy that music is like a bridge, providing connection and support. Additionally, we're based in Portland, OR - the city of bridges or "Bridgetown". Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of older adults living with dementia by leveraging the power of music. We look forward to serving you!
Did you know that music activates every area of the brain?
It's true, scientific researchers have observed that listening to music and engagement in music-based activities can affect all areas of the brain. Music activates the feel-good centers of the brain, and it can even help create new neural pathways. It's no wonder why music can be so beneficial for people living with dementia.
Music is a natural motivator.
Because music can do all kinds of cool things for the brain and body, it makes the perfect tool for engaging individuals living with dementia. A few examples: unlocking their past memories, improving mood, increasing energy levels, and promoting relaxation. Singing has amazing benefits such as relieving stress, boosting the immune system, providing comfort, promoting expressive communication and improving lung capacity.
The benefits of music are abundant and far-reaching.
Music can uniquely touch the lives of people living with disease, disability, dementia, a lack of social connection and other challenges or limitations associated with aging ... simply boosting overall wellbeing. Meaningful music engagement can absolutely make a difference in a person’s quality of life!
Music is one of the very first things we respond to at the beginning of life, and one of the very last things we respond to at the end of life.
We all resonate with music one way or another. Think for a moment about the songs from your childhood, or the music you listened to in your teens, 20’s, and 30’s. Two chords in and you're instantly drawn back to your favorite high school memory. Many life events and experiences are often marked by music. We get attached to “our music” because of all the ways music is woven throughout our lives. Music is powerful!
Articles & Research đź“„
4 Things to Know About Music & Dementia (features Alexis Baker)
6 Great Instruments to Try Later in Life (features Alexis Baker)
Your Questions Answered About Music Therapy and Dementia (written by Alexis Baker)
Music Helps Patients with Dementia Connect with Loved Ones
This Is Why You Get Chills While Listening to Your Favorite Song
How Playing An Instrument Benefits Your Brain (Ted-Ed)
How Music Can Heal Our Brain and Heart (Tedx)
10 Ways That Singing Benefits Your Health
Singing As a Health-Promoting Activity in Elderly Care
Playing a Musical Instrument Good for Brain Health in Later Life - Study
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