Every week, I get to see Ricci. And every time my charity visits his dementia support service - he ends up handing me a sheet of self-composed lyrics.
Throughout the session, he might turn these words into a melody, or simply share how he is feeling and what inspired his latest output.
Ricci reminds me of what is laying inside of all of us - and how when the right environment is provided, these ideas, emotions and creative desires can be brought to the surface.
You only need to ask Ricci how he is feeling today, and he will reach for a pen and paper. Or, if I begin playing some simple chords - he will look up, take a few seconds to assess the mood… and then deliver his latest lines, with a big smile on his face.
However, this isn’t possible for everyone.
While Ricci can sit, guitar in hand, and begin strumming and singing to get the ideas flowing, our instructors will often need to find other ways to help our attendees feel comfortable in a musical space.
This might involve a gentle discussion about their favourite music, and then playing that piece for them - either via the original recording, or a live performance.
We may pass an accessible instrument their way, for them to embrace and experiment with.
Often, people feel much more relaxed to communicate and perform musically, if they are part of a larger group. Something as simple as a tambourine in hand, tapping to the surrounding music, will gradually develop someones confidence to sing a little bit louder, perform solo, or share a lyrical idea.
Our instructors may reach for a sensory based instrument (wind chimes, singing bowls, ocean drums) - and then move these inclusive items around the head and body of each attendee. This person now feels part of the musical process - they are benefitting from its therapeutic nature, but experiencing no pressure to perform or accompany in any highlighted way.
With people like Ricci, the impact of music is obvious.
Ricci might struggle to recall something from this morning. But put him in a musical setting, and he’ll reel off the entire tracklist from a record released forty years ago. Or the exact date of a gig he once went to. Or every album he still owns.
Music brings those memories to the surface – and in turn, it gives him confidence to create and perform.
However, it’s important to note, that not everyone wishes to engage musically. Many of our attendees access the therapeutic benefits of music simply by being present in a musical setting.
The surrounding sounds may soothe them.
A particular piece may spark a childhood memory - and potentially lead to them sharing this moment with the rest of us
A fellow attendees rendition of a well known song, will create a connection, that wasn’t there previously. And fascinatingly, when this has happened before - even if the two people don’t recall the previous weeks moment that connected them. They still have an improved relationship. The positive experience they shared is familiar somewhere inside of them.
As long as we remember not to focus only on the loudest voices, or most visible dancers in the room - we’re able to ensure that everyone is included, celebrated and rewarded
I often remind myself of the varied ways that I engage with music.
My favourite songs will land differently with me on record or in a live setting.
My general mood, will determine what songs I reach for over the course of the day.
I become obsessed with a track I discover, dissect every element - and then don’t touch it for months.
But the thing that remains constant - is that there is always a reaction. Positive, profound or indifferent. There will be a response.
So… our instructors are constantly trying to gauge this within the environments we enter. And try our best to ride the wave of emotions that are present, and provide something for each of them.
That’s why being mindful of those who don’t, or are unable to provide an obvious reaction - are still captured and catered for.
Their response may be subtle, but the effect the music is having could be immense.
As Ricci said in one of this lyrics:
"Echo the peace from your heart. Beat as one.."
We’re trying to hit that beat!
At the heart of our work is that responsibility to notice, adapt and offer every person a way in.
The response to music doesn’t present itself in the same way for everyone. So our role is to make space for every moment, obvious or subtle - and to recognise each of them as a powerful response.
That’s what makes this work so rewarding. We’re not only delivering songs or sessions - we’re holding a space where people can absorb, connect and express in their own unique way.
As Ricci once wrote: “Here today I will write this song from the heart – to hear your name out loud is a great feeling.”
That’s the essence of what we’re aiming for. Helping people feel seen, heard, and part of something.
One of the songs we helped Ricci and his fellow attendees compose, can be found here - or watched below:
📝 Creative Career
🎸 Guitar
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Speak soon,
Marc
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