Everyone Deserves Their Own Nirvana Moment
I’ll never forget the moment my Stepdad pressed play on Nirvana’s - Nevermind.
It was the first time I understood what it was like to have a sound wash over you. I was transfixed. Totally absorbed by what was coming out of those speakers.
I had a lot of questions. Mostly around how I could see these tracks live. Sadly, I found out very quickly that this wouldn’t be possible.
But, there was a back catalogue to devour. And a life changing journey to embark on.
Imagine not being provided with that opportunity. A moment that arguably shaped the direction of my life. It was the spark that instilled a desire to surround myself with music. Learn an instrument. Attempt to carve out a career in the creative industries.
What might seem like a simple action, that is readily available to everyone, is not always the case.
Access to music. Accessibility within its practice. Levels of inclusion. Are all elements that many people are deprived of.
I was lucky.
I had a pathway from listening, to learning an instrument.
From buying records, to making music in a studio.
As I went on my journey from teenage music lover, to music charity founder… I became increasingly aware of the lack of opportunities within music, for many of the people and communities my service now caters for.
The charity focuses its efforts within disability and dementia, with an aim of heightening inclusion and accessibility for those we serve.
We are generally striving to discover those untapped moments, that provide a multitude of therapeutic benefits for the musical participant.
As a result of this, we continually see improvements in peoples confidence and self-esteem, as they develop awareness of their own unique creative abilities.
Music can…
Improve mood & wellbeing
Increase physical movement
Develop motor skills
Assist language and communication skills
Stimulate memory and brain function
Create social connections
Each of these elements and more, are embedded into TIME’s approach to inclusive music sessions.
From the soothing nature and stress relieving sounds of a rainstick.
To the accessible elements of a simple wrist bell.
The platform to express, that a microphone provides.
The communication a drum can create
We all deserve the opportunity to embrace these instruments and opportunities.
To have access to their therapeutic benefits.
To feel heard, celebrated and included.
You might not need Nirvana. But you need someone to open the door to that kind of experience.
Whether it’s music, art, sport, poetry or performing - I hope that each of us can contribute to increasing inclusive spaces.
The world will certainly be a better place for it.
Hospice Sessions
A further example of the impact music has on people of all ages and abilities, can be found in this article written by Havens Hospice. It details a recent session we delivered to their service and the range of adults receiving support for end of life care.
“It’s food for the soul. Everyone should do this workshop””
Read the full article here.
🎥 YouTube
I’ve kept the content wheel for the channel rolling.
2 new videos have gone live since I last wrote to you all.
A song tutorial for a big hit.
And a game changing approach for how to use guitar chords. This really did transform how many songs I was able to play and styles I could create.
Check it here or hit the video below 👇 … and please consider subscribing 🙏
🙏 Support
My charity rely on grants, successful funding applications and public donations.
If you would like to support our service, and help some of the most vulnerable people in society, access therapeutic music sessions, then please visit here.
Every penny goes towards providing inclusive and therapeutic musical activity, that makes a real difference to peoples lives.
Thank you for any and every bit of support we receive ❤️
🙋♂️ Learn With Me
I have a variety of online courses available.
🎸 Guitar
In addition, I have a range of instrument and creative career classes, that you can access for free with a 1 month trial:
🎶 Instruments
Guitar, Bass & Ukulele tuition (from beginner to intermediate)
📝 Creative Career
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Substack - Launching a Substack Newsletter: Build Your Email List & Creative Community
Thank you for the restack @Chris Hedden ! 🙏
Marc, this is so awesome. I've read about musical therapy but haven't gotten to see it in action like this. Thanks for sharing your work--TIME looks like an incredible organization.