The marvel behind SOHL Music is Mary Shapiro, a performer, songwriter and educator. Her journey with her mother and father through dementia and depression inspired her to serve older adults and their families. Well-versed in the Music & Memory® program and certified in Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care®, Mary is a trained facilitator for the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers™ through George Mason University. On June 24, 2025 she completed her training with the Music for Healing and Transitions program as a Certified Music Practitioner.

SOHL Music provides live therapeutic music for people with dementia, people in hospice, and individuals of all ages. Through contracts with senior living sites and hospice organizations we can provide live therapeutic music at no cost to the patient.  

SOHL Music presents engaging and educational workshops on the power of music for professionals, care partners, and families.  We enjoy collaborating at community events, like the Senior Expos hosted by  Aging Together. 

SOHL Music has a passion for creating personalized learning experiences - beyond the traditional "music book" approach that build both self esteem and technical competence.  Mary's patience and extensive experience working with students of all ages and capacities makes her a perfect match for anyone interested in learning the wonders of music.

SOHL Music uses the power of songwriting.  Using her extensive experience and study with award winning songwriters including Carrie Newcomer;  Paul Reisler founder of Trapazoid; and Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey and the Rock. Mary works with her students to encourage expression through songwriting. She can also take your story or poetry and make it into YOUR SONG!

SOHL Music offers the joy of receiving support and applause. Come to one of our safe and supportive open mics and see and hear for yourself. When you're ready, get on stage and feel the magic and connection that sharing live art brings. Poetry, storytelling, dance and artist interviews are also a welcome part of  a Sounds of Hope Live open mic.

Mary Shapiro has years of experience as a professional performer. Her first CD, Celebrate was inspired by the 25th anniversary of Little Friends for Peace. This live recording was created, produced, directed and performed by Mary with a dozen child superstars singing their hearts out! Her second CD, The Time Is Now  is a collection of  original songs. Mary has performed venues ranging from schools to sacred spaces, conventions to concert halls, and has emceed over 500 shows.  

Live Producer: From 2002 - 2012 Mary produced Sounds of Hope, a weekly benefit concert series in Washington, DC. Her events attracted over 1,500 musicians, 10,000 guests and raised over $100,000 for local charities. 

THE IMPACT OF SOHL Music…

Mary Shapiro has a powerful gift to
transform any gathering into something sacred – 
blending songs of peace with 
joy and laughter to give you the taste that 
'another world is possible'.  

---Jean Stoken, Justice Coordinator at Sisters of Mercy of the Americas 

Mary Shapiro inspires,
touches, and beckons us to
join in the song! 
---Carrie Newcomer, Grammy Award winner 

Every time I listen to Mary I am astounded by 
how much of herself her songs manage to carry.  
When a song is finished, 
I am happy to say that our
souls have truly shared a moment. 

---Tom Goss, singer/songwriter, recording artist