Testimonial

Ged delivered a series of sessions at our care home, Phillips Court. I can vouch for his trustworthiness and approachability, great communication skills, imagination and very hard working ethos.

Julie Ati, Activities Coordinator, Phillips Court Care Home, Gateshead.


Elders Sessions

Participatory concerts, sing-alongs

I've been offering fun, interactive, respectful music sessions to elders for over 20 years now, since I started with Age Concern in 2004.

I mainly sing and play guitar. 

Here's a link to some vids

I play a very diverse repertoire of music including wartime & music hall favourites, swing songs made famous by Sinatra and Nat King Cole, rock n roll and pop hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s eg by the Beatles, Dolly Parton, Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Everley Brothers etc. and old folk tunes that have been passed down through the generations

We can also include some country, blues, Latin tunes and even some reggae if the audience would enjoy that.

I believe it’s beneficial to vary the format of the session to keep it interesting for participants and to engage a diverse group. So, I do some acapella songs, some action songs (eg My Bonnie lies over the Ocean), some acoustic guitar songs, some with percussion (which I bring and hand out) and I use a loop pedal with backing tracks for some livelier songs.

I even do the odd song on glockenspiel :-).

My hope is to bring some fun, interaction, and connection into people's lives and to provide an opportunity for residents to be creative and feel good about themselves. 


Testimonial

Thank you so much for the beautiful music you provided at our recent candlelit dinner for Patients and Carers here at North Devon Hospice.  You approached the event so sensitively and really put the needs of our guests first.  We have had lovely feedback from those who attended, saying how much they appreciated your playing and the selection of music you chose.

Charlie Bond, Clinical Team, North Devon Hospice


Ged’s history of working with elders

Ged has worked with elders since 2004 when he started delivering music and movement classes for Age UK.

Since then, Ged has worked regularly for Music in Hospitals and Care {mihc.org.uk] delivering “Live Music Events” in a variety of care settings. These are participatory concerts in which audience members are encouraged to join in with songs, by singing, playing percussion and sometimes dancing. We also invite requests and make time for audience members to share memories about the music.

In an independent capacity he delivers music sessions for Memory Cafes across the South West and participatory concerts in care homes.

He is the main facilitator for SIng Up Bude - a singing and music group for people living with dementia, stroke, ABI and their unpaid carers.

click here for a more detailed CV/Bio.


Testimonial

Ged's Music Therapy Sessions are always enjoyed by all.  The sessions are interactive, funny and entertaining.

Over the time Ged has been visiting us he has continually reviewed his presentation to accommodate our residents needs.

We always look forward to his visits.

Heather, Activities Coordinator @ Trelana Care Home, Poughill, Cornwall