Our musicians have been speaking about some of the most significant moments they have experienced whilst sharing Joy Through Live Music with Music in Hospitals & Care.
Laura-Jayne Hunter has been working with us in South England since 2018.
“I think the most impactful performance was in a hospital ward where a number of the patients were living with dementia. There was a lady who was a similar age to me (30’s) and her mother (the patient) seemed distressed didn’t know where she was or what was going on. She called at me to stop whilst I was playing a song and her daughter was clearly upset but told me to keep going because her mother used to adore music. She then requested a particular song that she knew her parents used to love, and thankfully I knew it, so I played it for them and straight away her mum stopped shouting and listened. She smiled and looked at her daughter and said “your dad used to play this to me.” Her daughter’s face lit up and she said “yes mum that’s right.” In those few moments it was clear that her mum was briefly lucid and knew that her daughter was next to her and it was a fond memory that calmed her and comforted her.
It was such a beautiful moment that I almost struggled to finish the song, but was incredibly grateful that I had played a part in helping them to connect again even if it was just for a short time.”
Thank you for joining Wine, Music and Song
Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the Wine, Music and Song event. With music spanning centuries, the evening was a celebration of music in its many different roles.
Arts in Care Homes Day: Thanking Bert Smith
This Arts in Care Homes Day, we’re taking the time to thank Moyness Care Home’s Activities Coordinator Bert Smith, who has championed live music for care homes in Dundee for over 30 years. As Bert approaches retirement, he is looking back on his career and years of work with Music in Hospitals & Care.
World Alzheimer’s Month: Lifting spirits in Cumbria
Our musician Andy McKay has been visiting wards and care homes across Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where we have been able to share 29 hours of live music between September 2025 and May 2026. One of the spaces Andy visited is the Ramsey Unit at Furness General Hospital, an assessment unit for patients with organic illnesses such as dementia.