Music has done it again...
Throughout 2025, music has continued to provide me with some of the most powerful, important and therapeutic moments in my life.
Either through my role as a music charity founder, or the people I meet during the charity’s sessions… or just the feeling gained from a live show I’ve attended.
For most of us, a day doesn’t go by without hearing a mix of music (I guess this time of year is slightly less varied) - and the impact a new release, a recommendation or reconnecting with an old tune can have - never fails to amaze me.
My mood can be altered in a flash, by a guitar line, a set of lyrics, or a simple melody.
And I was reminded of how profound this shift and impact can be at a recent performance my charity were part of.
Dementia Did Not Define Them
Recently, we worked with the attendees of Peaceful Place (a dementia support service) - to prepare a live show at The Towngate Theatre in Basildon, UK.
This follows on from the groups hugely successful debut on the big stage, in 2024.
The set included:
A range of well known songs, that reflected special memories in the performers lives
A well rehearsed ballroom dance routine (one of the dancers was 99!)
A self-composed song (the group wrote every lyric and directed the mood and arrangement of the music)
Some hilarious outfits
An Elton John impression
A Shania Twain costume change
Constant heartwarming moments
A ton of laughs, boosts in confidence and happy tears
It was an eclectic, emotional and all round inspirational experience.
Honestly… this was one of the best days of my life. And a huge privilege to be a part of.
My colleague Mike Barnes, has done a wonderful job of documenting the day.
Watch the full video below to see the incredible achievements, confidence and creative abilities of everyone involved.
My charity rely on grants, successful funding applications and public donations.
If you would like to support projects like the one above, then please visit here:
https://www.justgiving.com/charity/timemusiccharity
Every penny goes towards providing therapeutic musical activity, for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Thank you for any and every bit of support we receive.
What’s next…
We are approaching my first full year of consistently writing this newsletter.
My current commitment is a monthly output. But I plan to increase this regularity in 2026.
For now… I want to say a huge thank you for every line you’ve read.
All the feedback and questions you’ve sent.
The incredibly kind donations my charity have received from readers.
The paid subscriptions.
The shares, restacks and recommendations.
It is all greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
2026 will see my charity increase our reach, with a lot of new bookings and projects setup across the UK areas of Essex and London.
I will keep sharing the profound impact music has within disability, dementia and mental health.
And I will continue creating my online courses. The next one is actually all about the opportunities that exist on Substack.
I will share how it has:
Benefitted my business and charity
Helped me launch and grow a newsletter
Shown me the importance of owning your email list
Helped make new connections that have been instrumental in the growth of my creative career
Expanded my abilities as a writer
Become a creative outlet that I really enjoy
Started to send paid subscriptions my way
Filming is complete. And the edit is underway. I’m hoping for a mid-Jan launch.
All of my previous classes can be accessed with a 1 month free trial here 👀
For now... another big thanks for all of your support.
I look forward to continuing this journey together in the new year.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 2026!
All the best
x
My Charity
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🎸 Guitar
I have a variety of other instrument courses on Skillshare. This link gives you 1 month FREE access to each of my classes and the entire Skillshare site.
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There is evidence of music therapy benefiting others. I am glad you are sharing your knowledge with everyone.