At 99, She Wrote Her First Song
Making music accessible – at any age, for any ability
The main aim with my charity, is to make music participation inclusive and accessible.
We find ways to break down barriers to entry.
We help people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds - realise that they have something of unique, creative value to offer the world.
We aim to boost the confidence and self-esteem of everyone we engage with.
And the results never fail to amaze us.
Music and Memory
Shortly before her 100th birthday, one of our incredible participants - alongside her friends at a local early-onset dementia group - composed her very first song.
At 99 years old, she:
🎶 Wrote original lyrics, that reflected on key moments in her life
🎙️ Took part in a full recording session
📹 Sang her vocal lines on camera
🎭 Saw her music performed live on stage
At T.I.M.E. (Together In Musical Expression), we believe creative expression is an inherent part of us all - not something reserved for the young or the "trained." With gentle guidance, encouragement, and inclusive equipment, people of all ages and abilities can access the therapeutic benefits of music participation.
For many people living with dementia, it’s not just about music as therapy - it’s about being seen, being heard, and being creative.
Seeing the person and the personality - behind the diagnosis.
While playing the old classics during our music sessions (think Elvis, Neil Diamond, Buddy Holly) has an important impact - triggering fond memories, positive emotions, and encouraging physical movement - what’s even more remarkable is how much new music our participants are able to create and remember.
This is where songwriting has a profound effect.
We began trialling this with one of the dementia groups we visited, and here’s what happened:
🧠 Attendees recalled melodies and lyrics they composed
🎤 They gained confidence to perform in front of others
💬 They offered meaningful lyrical ideas that reflected their life stories
🎹 They played melodies back to us, using accessible instruments like MIDI keyboards & glockenspiels
🌟 Most importantly, they felt proud. Capable. Creative.
We design our sessions to be inclusive, uplifting, and empowering. Everyones contribution has value.
Whether or not someone has ever held an instrument or a microphone before doesn’t matter - our role is to help them discover that they can. And they do.
You can check the full song and accompanying video, which documented the recording process, here
Please feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear of inspiring moments of creativity you’ve witnessed. Or just say hello, ask questions and take this discussion further.
NOTEWIZE
Would you like help with your own songwriting and musicianship?
I recently partnered with the amazing company Notewize. My guitar course - Exploring Chord Variations - where you can master everything from open chords, up to advanced inversions, is now available on their platform.
Notewize is an incredible app that provides interactive learning and real time feedback. Their practice mode, tempo control, scrolling tab screens and lesson videos, make this a brilliant platform to develop your guitar playing ability.
You can try the course for free! And access the entire course for $9.99!
Start exploring for FREE here.
🌍 Links
🎸 Learn Guitar: The Complete Beginners Guide
🎸 Guitar Practice: Improve Finger Strength, Stretch, Speed & Independence
All of my other instrument classes can be found on Skillshare. This link gives you 1 month FREE access to my courses and the entire Skillshare site.
🙋♂️Follow me for more guitar, bass & ukulele related chat & tutorials:
🧡 My Music Charity
Speak soon,
Marc
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That’s awesome. In one of my music therapy groups, one of our favorite songs was brand new to the group when we started. Everyone loves it and sings like they’ve known it all their lives. I’m looking forward to reading more about your work.
Hi Marc, inspiring. I clicked through to browse your charity, TIME. I'm so impressed and uplifted by how much fun, joy and music you and the team, and your charity are bringing to so many people!
I'm going to send a message via DM, meanwhile perhaps when you have time you could explore around Carer Mentor: Empathy and Inspiration? The website (aka Substack homepage) (desktop version is best: https://www.carermentor.com/ ) in particular, the Dementia Anthology. You'll see an article 'Music is more powerful than words.' Thanks!