General News
23 May, 2025
“I don’t let dementia stop me”
ABC’s The Piano showcases the profound role music can have in an ordinary Australian’s life. One of the most remarkable stories was that of Heather Cooper.
The heartwarming six part televised series premiered earlier this month, exploring how the piano has the power to transform the lives of everyday Australians.
Presented by Amanda Keller and hosted in various locations around the country, pianists were invited to perform on the program from all over Australia, including some from the Central Goldfields.
One of them was life-long musician, dementia advocate and Bealiba resident Heather Cooper.
“I’ve always had a piano in my life, various types and sorts. My brother and I learnt to play piano, and I taught my children to play, so I always enjoyed the instrument,” she said.
Following her dementia diagnosis, Ms Cooper was advised to learn a language or pursue intellectual activities to maintain her cognitive function.
Her love of music became a way she persevered with her condition.
“As soon as I got my diagnosis, I emailed the Australian Music Education Board and I bought myself the grade two book and I worked my way through that right through COVID, when we couldn’t do much else,” she said.
Ms Cooper said physical and intellectual stimulation became highly effective symptom management.
“Muscle memory of piano work is marvelous. When you have dementia or alzheimers, you don’t know anymore what your hands are doing, where they are or even where your arm is,” she said.
“So the requirement of your left hand going and playing C while your right hand has a seven key stretch is marvelous and if you don’t play it right, you hear it.”
Ms Cooper has since become an advocate with Dementia Australia featuring on many podcasts and giving talks throughout Victoria.
“A lovely person from Eureka Media rang me up one day and we talked about piano playing, and she asked me ‘would I come down and play the piano in public for the show?’ and I said ‘oh no, I never play in public, I don’t even play to the sheep,” she said.
“But after our conversation, I got an email with musical arrangements to perform, arrangements for accommodation and travel, it was amazing.”
During her performance, Ms Cooper chose to play My Favourite Things from The Sound Of Music, a very deliberate and personal choice.
“That song was very important. Like in the film, in terrible circumstances, ‘raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens’ are really what’s important,” Ms Cooper said.
“When you have alzheimers like I do, it’s not the fact that you can’t organise yourself properly to make a cup of tea, dress yourself or remember the name of your grandchild, My Favourite Things reminds you that the sun shines on the leaves, the rain falls and kittens are lovely. That’s what you need to focus on in life.
“We are all going to die, and dementia is just one of the ways to do it. Why go out with sorrow? Go out with joy.”
During the show’s filming, Ms Cooper had even brought her own hand written sheet music.
“The assistant producer told me to do another take without the sheet music in front of me, but I had actually hand written the music out myself, because that helps with my memory,” she said.
Regardless, the song was performed perfectly.
No pianist on the program was aware they were being remotely observed by Australian classical concert pianist Andrea Lam and American pianist Harry Connick Jr, both of who were in awe of her presence and performance.
Ms Cooper recalls the reveal was a surprise and an honour from each contestant.
“They were so warm and welcoming. We had no idea they were going to be there,” she said.
A resident of Bealiba for almost 25 years, Ms Cooper has given local talks in Dunolly, Maryborough, Donald, Charlton, St Arnaud and Bridgewater.
“I love it here, I love music and I love Bealiba, I don’t let dementia stop me,” she said.
“Music centres you. As I come into forgetfulness in the morning, I listen to ABC Classic, and I recall what pieces they play. Life is better with music.”
Ms Cooper continues her mission, strongly advising those who receive a dementia diagnosis to continue a fulfilling life.
“If you have a diagnosis of dementia, or cognitive disfunction, don’t let it put you down, don’t think you’re not going to be able to do things,” she said.
“Yes, you’ll have to do things quietly and carefully but you can enjoy life and live well with dementia, just as you always have.”