Experience live music in the home
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This video gives an example of external music practitioner, Zoe Wren (from Live Music Now), leading a music session: residents, care staff and a family member all join in together, illustrating the value of everyone’s contribution. Simple hand-held percussion instruments enable participation by those who are less able or less keen to sing.
The commentary highlights the importance of planning the content of the sessions in advance, and the value of recording the songs so that the care team can continue to lead effective music sessions without the attendance of the music practitioner. Resources are available on this website.
This was recorded at Dalemead Care Home, Twickenham.
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Invite local musicians (of any age) to come and perform
Help the musicians choose what to play, based on residents’ backgrounds and preferences. Give residents opportunities to choose for themselves
Suggest strategies to help musicians engage with residents, such as encouraging them to move to the music or conduct. Consider the choice of instruments; some are overwhelming in small spaces
Consider the optimum length of concerts and the time of day when residents are most responsive E.g. mid-morning for 45 minutes