About the Presentation
“Music and Memory: The accidental
creation of a 92-year-old social media sensation”
(scroll down for scheduled events)
creation of a 92-year-old social media sensation”
(scroll down for scheduled events)
Dr. Randi Lebar offers a 1-hour inspirational and motivational PowerPoint presentation, live or via Zoom, about the wild ride she has taken with her mother, pianist Elaine Lebar (born in 1928) who went viral on TikTok in 2020 while living in a memory care unit in Buzzards Bay. Specifically focusing on the magic and power of music in dementia, the talk features many videos of Elaine, and also includes many lessons Randi learned along the way about finding meaning and joy in their relationship, in spite of her mother’s mental decline. The presentation is sure to entertain a wide audience, and it will be especially educational and hopeful for those dealing with a loved one in any stage of cognitive decline.
The presentation is appropriate for all ages. It can be used as an educational event for the general public, for family caregivers, and for professionals working with the dementia population. It can also be included as part of a marketing event for Senior Living communities.
Randi can also provide a 15 minute “movie trailer” version of this talk live or virtually (or a pre-recorded version) to groups who work in senior care and might be interested in scheduling an event.
About Elaine & Randi
Elaine Lebar began playing piano at the age of 3. She graduated from the High School of Music and Art in NYC, received a BA in music from Brooklyn College and an MFA in music education from the University of Missouri. She is an accomplished performer, accompanist and composer. Elaine became a TikTok star in 2020, with over 250,000 followers. She played piano until the end of her life.
Randi Lebar graduated from Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences in 1978 with a BA in Chemistry and went on to receive an MD in 1982 from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She then served for 11 years in the US Navy, completing her Orthopaedic Surgery residency at the Naval Hospital Oakland. After serving as an orthopaedic surgeon in Okinawa, Japan, Dr. Lebar left the Navy and moved to Maine where she continued her orthopaedic practice. Now retired from medicine, Randi lives in Sagamore where she knits, crafts, gardens, and pursues her passion for all forms of dance.
Selected TikTok Videos
Scheduled Events – Always call to confirm and register
Friday 30 Jan 2026 12:10 – Lunch at 12, call to register to receive lunch!
Sherborn Council on Aging
19 Washington Street
Sherborn, MA 01770
508-651-7858
Saturday 7 March 2026 2:00 PM
Stevens Memorial Library
345 Main Street
North Andover, MA 01845
Phone 978.688.9505
Monday 11 May 2026 3:00 PM
Abbott Public Library
235 Pleasant Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
781-631-1481, Ext. 206
Monday 22 June 2026 6:30 PM
Agawam Public Library
750 Cooper Street
Agawam, MA 01001
(413) 789-1550
Tuesday 23 June 2026 1:30 PM
Hadley Senior Community Center
46 Middle St
Hadley MA 01035
413-586-4023
Tuesday 23 June 2026 6:00 PM
Southwick Public Library
95 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
413-569-1221
Contact
Randi D. Lebar, MD
207-490-6743
randi.lebar@gmail.com
PO Box 214
Sagamore, MA 02561
Testimonials
“…a very moving talk about the power of music and a Mother/Daughter relationship…The audience was very appreciative of Dr. Lebar’s talk – a feel-good story regarding a hard to discuss topic” – Colleen C. (Bourne Public Library, June 2024)
“Your heartwarming stories and viral videos bring hope and joy to a challenging topic. Thank YOU for showing us how to best advocate for our parents” – Wayne G. (Aug 2024)
“As a death doula and interfaith chaplain doing non-medical caregiving, I have many clients and families dealing with dementia. Randi’s presentation is filled with invaluable information from her own life learning. I strongly encourage you to take the time to listen” – Laura C. (Aug 2024)
“Dr. Lebar’s story, including family videos, was met with both laughter and tears by all in the room. Her joyful and poignant account was relatable and showcased patience, perseverance, grace, and love. A most uplifting presentation for any family members and caregivers facing these challenges” – Anne-Marie G. (Director, Millis Council on Aging, Aug 2024)
“It was fantastic! She is a great presenter with a very touching story to tell and was very easy to work with. I highly recommend inviting her and making sure you have some tissues close by” – Sunshine O. (Adult Programs Coordinator, Cotuit Library, Aug 2024)
“Randi Lebar offered insightful and moving exploration into the profound impact of music on individuals living with dementia…Randi’s talk was a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of music in the face of adversity” – Lynn A. (Lifestyle Program Director, Wingate Living, Aug 2024)
“We thoroughly enjoyed having Dr. Randi Lebar speak to our audience of older adults, caregivers, and elder service professionals….At times you could hear a pin drop in that audience of 300 people. A few tears were shed, many laughs were had, and the audience left feeling optimistic. People mentioned to me that Dr. Lebar was the best keynote speaker we ever had at Age Well, which has been going on for more than a decade. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Lebar as an authentic and engaging speaker.” – Lisa B (HESSCO, Oct 2024)
“It was a pleasure to have Randi share her story at the Duxbury Senior Center. Randi is skilled at discussing the disease of dementia that is both heartfelt and funny! She is able to weave in advice about dealing with a loved one in the throes of dementia with the story of how music energized and awakened her mother in spite of the disease. Randi’s story is both moving and inspiring, and I highly recommend her presentation ‘Finding The Piano’.” – Sharon P (Duxbury Senior Center, Nov 2024)
“It was a pleasure to listen to Randi share about her experiences with her mother, her mother’s Alzheimer’s’ and the power of music. It was touching and humorous at the same time. I know we all left, thinking about how to find our own piano and how to help our loved ones do the same as well.” – Annie R (Brewster Council on Aging, Jan 2025)
“Randi Lebar is an amazing speaker who put together a thoughtful and inspiring presentation about navigating her mother’s dementia. I highly recommend her program for libraries, senior centers, or other community organizations.” – Kayla K. (Fall River Public Library, May 2025)
“Randi is an engaging, polished, funny, and compassionate speaker who had our patrons captivated for the entire 60+-minute program as she shared stories of her and her mother’s journey with dementia. She offered hope to those with loved ones with the disease, practical tips on dealing with some of the unpleasant side effects and, most importantly, ways to experience joy with your loved ones, wherever they are along their dementia path. Randi was a pleasure to work with, and I recommend her program wholeheartedly.” – Libby F. (Middleborough Public Library, June 2025)
“This presentation was incredibly moving. You could feel how much Randi loves her mom and believes in the positive impact music can have on those living with dementia. Her story was so heartfelt, I found myself tearing up more than once. It was honest, emotional, and really stayed with me. Based on the reactions from the community members in attendance, I’d say they all feel the same way.” – Micaela S. (Milton Public Library, Oct 2025)
“I had the privilege of attending Randi Lebar’s presentation “Music in Dementia – Finding the Piano” during the recent conference of the Massachusetts Council of Activity Professionals (MassCAP) and found her session to be deeply moving and highly informative….I would highly recommend Randi Lebar as a speaker for future conferences and professional development. Randi’s ability to blend personal storytelling with professional insight is inspiring.” – Sandra S. (MassCAP President, Oct 2025)
“…She was exceptionally organized, engaging, and deeply passionate about the topic. Her ability to explain the impact of music on individuals living with dementia was both enlightening and inspiring. She had everyone laughing and crying…” – Karen W. (Worcester Public Library, Nov 2025)
“I was at your presentation on “Music in Dementia” this past Tuesday. My husband (who has dementia) was also there with me. I want to thank you for your excellent program! I learned a great deal—and changed things I was doing wrong. I am now ‘living in the present’ and it’s working better.” Patricia R. (Nov 2025)