Awareness of the benefits of music for people living with dementia has grown rapidly in recent years, with research and anecdotal evidence demonstrating that active participation in music has a very positive effect on engagement and wellbeing. Work in this field can take place in residential settings such as care homes, in the community, and in healthcare settings. Music-making in these settings can include:

• familiar repertoire – helpful for reminiscence and creating a sense of safety
• improvisation – creating in the moment together, as a means of communication as well as promoting the equality of everyone involved
• musical activities such as singing rounds
• writing songs as a group
• exploring sounds and listening

This is a rewarding area of work, contributing to a culture where people can develop or rekindle musical skills, interests, and connections – even if for a short, but illuminating time. This work requires a sensitive, flexible, and reflective approach, which this workshop will introduce you to.

Fee: £95.

https://www.gold.ac.uk/short-courses/community-music-people-living-with-dementia/