Health & Wellbeing
2024-25
Melodic Moments
Melodic Moments is our series of relaxed, dementia-friendly afternoon concerts, held at the Museum of Making in Derby. Designed to be informal, accessible, and joyful, the concerts are open to all, but are especially welcoming for people living with dementia and those with additional needs.
At the heart of Melodic Moments is a simple but powerful belief: that music can unlock memories, spark joy, and create meaningful moments of connection. These concerts are designed not just for those living with dementia, but also for their carers, companions, and the wider community — with accessibility and inclusion woven into every detail.
From the moment guests arrive, they’re met with warmth, patience, and a genuine welcome. There’s no rush, no pressure — just time to settle in, feel at ease, and connect with others. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, far removed from the traditional concert experience.
That same spirit continues after the music ends. Everyone is invited to stay for tea and cake — a much-loved tradition that encourages conversation, reflection, and connection. For carers, this shared social time is especially meaningful: a rare moment of respite, and a chance to experience something joyful alongside the person they support.
Why Melodic Moments is needed
The number of people living with dementia in Derbyshire has increased by 13% since 2020 – now reaching an estimated 18,800 individuals. Despite this, high-quality, dementia-friendly cultural activities remain scarce in the region.
Many people with dementia and their carers face a host of barriers to cultural participation, including:
- Psychological barriers like fear of being a burden
- Social barriers including a lack of understanding and support
- Physical and environmental barriers such as inaccessible venues or limited transport
These challenges can lead to isolation, a decline in mental wellbeing, and fewer opportunities to experience joy and creativity. Melodic Moments was created to address these issues – offering an experience where everyone is welcomed, understood, and able to participate fully.
Our creative approach
Audience members are welcomed into a warm, flexible space where they sit around large tables, free to move, sing along, or simply relax and let the music wash over them. The concerts are purposefully informal and intimate, featuring small ensembles of Sinfonia Viva musicians — often trios or quintets — allowing every instrument to be clearly heard and appreciated. This closeness not only enhances the listening experience but helps build familiarity and connection. With a consistent group of musicians performing throughout the series, many audience members now greet them like old friends and look forward to chatting after the concert.
The music itself is thoughtfully chosen, with each programme curated around a seasonal or emotional theme — often inspired by conversations with the audience. From uplifting classics to unexpected gems by lesser-known composers, the selection is designed to entertain, engage, and occasionally surprise, encouraging new experiences while remaining accessible to all.
Guiding the journey is Caroline Welsh, a music and dementia specialist whose warmth, humour, and storytelling bring each piece to life. Her gentle narration, sprinkled with historical context and personal reflection, helps create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that resonates with audiences on many levels.
Enhancing the concert experience further are visual images projected onto screens, which offer an additional way to connect with the music and its themes. On each table, tactile prompts such as mindful colouring sheets or nostalgic items provide quiet moments of interaction and encourage reminiscence — sparking conversation among guests and adding to the rich, sensory atmosphere that makes Melodic Moments so special.
What our audience says
The feedback has been deeply moving:
- “I don’t hear so well any more, and conversations can be difficult — but I’ve felt like there was a conversation with the music this afternoon.”
- “This is the first time I’ve listened to this type of music (and I am 79!)… BUT I just loved it. It has opened my eyes and ears to something really wonderful. I am converted.”
- “Mum has Alzheimer’s, so lots of variety in the music prompts her memories… This concert is perfect for her attention span — and we both loved the traditional songs included today.”
- “An afternoon out that made it easy for me to enjoy, even in my power chair. Nothing too much trouble for any of the staff.”
- “It’s just so lovely to sit and let the music wash over you, and forget about everything that’s going on.”
The impact so far
The outcomes are clear: Melodic Moments supports mental wellbeing, connection, creative engagement, and learning — in a way that feels safe, inclusive, and joyful.
- Improved mood and relaxation:
“Soothing and sensual… It sets my mood for the day.”
“It’s an escape from reality for an afternoon.”
- Discovery and learning:
“I’ve never heard this music before — it’s opened my ears and mind.”
“Just the right amount of information — no overwhelm, just curiosity.”
- Memory and reminiscence:
“It made me think about how I used to play the cornet. I might dig it out!”
“The traditional songs prompted memories — we both sang along.”
What’s next?
What makes Melodic Moments so impactful is its foundation in genuine listening — not just hearing, but truly responding to the needs, interests, and aspirations of both our audiences and our partners. This commitment shapes everything we do, from the music we programme to the experiences we create around it. The series is co-shaped by the voices of those who attend, ensuring it remains relevant, responsive, and rooted in the lives of the people it serves.
Melodic Moments has been a joyful, moving, and meaningful part of our year — and we’re excited for what’s to come. As we look ahead, the foundations laid this year will allow us to grow in meaningful ways: strengthening ties with local care providers, expanding opportunities for creative interaction and continuing to place our audience at the heart of every decision. Whether you’ve been with us from the start, or have only just discovered us, thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to welcoming you to a concert soon.
