OUR SESSIONS
Practicing in the Music School before one of our sessions
Healing Harmonies sessions are designed as participatory musical encounters, not simple concerts.
We alternate listening and performance with guided activities that invite residents to sing, remember, choose, play, and share.
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Our Healing Harmonies gang with Hazel, wellbeing coordinator at Compton House
Ariel and I playing "Dream A Little Dream of Me", with me at the piano and Ariel singing
We learned that relationships grow from simple things: a light, welcoming atmosphere where even a small gesture, from a hummed chorus, or a clap, to a laugh, becomes connection.
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Chatting to the residents at Compton House while they enjoy their afternoon tea
BRINGING MUSIC TO LIFE
TO SING. TO SHARE. TO SMILE.
What we offer is not only a series of activities: we try to make it a shared experience shaped by music. Through familiar songs and gentle interactions, we create moments that bring comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging.
Performances
We perform familiar pieces that gently spark memories, open emotions, and create shared moments of connection.
While Antonio and I both play the piano, Esther and Ariel sing; Antonio has also played some pieces with his violin and guitar: the residents certainly enjoyed it!
Sing alongs
We offer well-known songs and invite anyone who wishes to join in, with even just a few words or quiet hums. Shared singing helps residents feel part of the group, often sparking smiles and participation. Some of the songs we’ve sung together include Can’t Help Falling in Love, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, and We’ll Meet Again.
Percussions
We use simple instruments (maracas, tambourines, claves) or easier alternatives (clapping, tapping a foot). Rhythm provides structure, engages even those who speak less, and builds group energy.
Create your own playlist
We ask residents to think of songs linked to meaningful moments from their own life (youth, weddings, celebrations, summers, etc.). We write the titles down and turn them into a “playlist of life” that can become a valulabe collection of memories.
Guess the song
We play a song’s intro or hum a few notes of its chorus and ask, “What song is it?”
Make up lyrics to a known melody
We take a familiar melody and play with new lyrics based on a chosen theme. It’s a creative, light-hearted activity that encourages imagination and conversation without pressure, but it should be adapted to suit each resident’s level of comfort and ability.
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THROUGH ARIEL's EYES
Ariel is a volunteer at Healing Harmonies. She is a very good singer and always brings a smile and kind touch to our sessions! Here, she shares a brief glimpse into her experience with the project.
Our music therapy project at Compton House has become a highlight that sits warmly outside our usual school routine. Meeting the residents every Thursday afternoon, we would play and sing pieces that the residents would know from their younger years, such as Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love, Vera Lynn’s A Nightingale Sang in Berkely Square, and even some jazzy tunes like Misty and Dream a Little Dream of Me.
It has been a joy to put our knowledge about music therapy to action and see how the residents would sing along with us, how some residents who appear to be sleeping would open their eyes when they were listening to our performances.
Many residents recalled concerts they had attended years ago and a large proportion of them had sung in choirs when they were younger. Piano melodies on classical pieces has also been a well-loved choice, as it is able to set the atmosphere a soothing and calming quality.
Alternatively, we would also bring small percussive instruments such as the shakers and tambourines to encourage more engaging participation; the residents loved the simple joy of holding an instrument and feeling the rhythm tangible in their hands, becoming part of the music rather than just listeners.
Ariel and I performing Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga. The residents like to be surprised with some more modern tunes!
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