A note from our CEO, Giles Wilmore

Video Transcript:

Giles Wilmore:

Hello, my name is Giles Wilmore. I'm the Chief Executive of Music in Mind Remote and this session is the Introduction to Music in Mind. Music in Mind is a music therapy-based approach that allows people to engage in music making. It's aimed in this case at people living with dementia, family members, carers, people involved in supporting people with dementia. It helps people to communicate, it helps people to connect, who might otherwise be really isolated. It allows people to really explore their creative side and bring some joy and purpose back into their lives. Music in Mind was developed by professional music therapists and musicians of the world-renowned orchestra Manchester Camerata.

Music in Mind uses a wide variety of musical genres and styles that create space for the people in the group to improvise and participate in whatever way they want with a wide range of instruments. So, although it has a clear structure, it's also very, very flexible. Musical improvisation is really important, because it means that group members can join in as much or as little as they wish. They can pick up any instrument they want, they can play it in any way they like, and they can engage in the session actively as much as they like. The Music Champion programme is to train people so that they can deliver Music in Mind sessions themselves. They don't require any prior musical knowledge or experience, they will be fully trained and supported by professional musicians and qualified music therapists.

Anybody can be a Music Champion, it could be a family member, it could be a carer, it could be a volunteer. Anyone who wants to support people living with dementia. As a Music Champion, you'll have a really exciting and invigorating experience. You'll have hands-on learning through practical sessions delivered by professional musicians and music therapists. You'll learn new skills, grow your confidence, and really develop your ability to support people living with dementia. So we're really looking forward to working with you as Music Champions. Thanks for your energy and enthusiasm and being part of this program. We hope you get as much out of it as we do and really see the benefits it brings for people living with dementia.