Musicians

“There are always those special moments when patients with dementia, who maybe haven’t engaged or spoken in years, suddenly join in with a song and know all the words, or when memories are triggered by a certain piece. Eyes light up and it instigates a whole conversation; it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.

I also have a soft spot for the children’s hospitals, such as Southampton Children’s Hospital, where I have had lots of fun with Music in Hospitals & Care singer Ciara who is amazing with the children. They are so full of enthusiasm for the music and love to dance and sing, however unwell they are. I am also fond of the Children’s Hospice here in North Devon.”

“There have been many highlights, mainly seeing the effect that music can have on a person in a care home or someone in hospital. I recall seeing the daughter of an older gentleman (who had dementia) moved to tears of joy when her father sang along with me. He had not communicated verbally in months

I really value the work that Music in Hospitals & Care does. I regularly hear from staff in the care sector about how much they value the quality of musicianship and attitude of the charity’s musicians. Music in Hospitals & Care works with its musicians to ensure that it continues to deliver invaluable music and I love the way that it is constantly looking for different ways to deliver benefits to people through music.”

“The first special moment I experienced at Music in Hospitals & Care was with someone who had a stroke who hadn’t spoken for seven years. I sang ‘Let me call you sweetheart’. It turned out to be the song his mother sang to him when he was young and he sang along with me. His wife, family members and the staff were in tears.

It’s wonderful to belong to a charity which reaches out to the seldom reached. Many won’t have the ability to go to concerts. It’s wonderful we can interrupt peoples’ hurts and pain with music. Also, to spend time talking to them and listening to their many different stories.”