OUR VISION
Healing Harmonies aims to rekindle presence, memory, and human connection through music.
We believe music is not simply something to be performed, but something to be shared, creating moments of singing, remembering, and laughter that reduce isolation and strengthen bonds within care homes.
Our vision is to build a consistent, student-led model of music therapy that is human, sustainable, and replicable, enabling schools to bring meaningful musical engagement to elderly residents week after week.
OUR TEAM
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Irene
Founder and Volunteer Coordinator
Antonio
Communcations Leader
Ariel
Activity Coordinator
Esther
Music Director
OUR
STORY
Healing Harmonies began with my grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. As her memory faded, first with small details, then names and faces, I noticed that music remained different.
When I played the piano, something in her would awaken; for a few seconds, she seemed present again. Those moments showed me that even when so much is lost, music can still reach someone.
Yet I often delayed playing for her, telling myself I would do it when I had more time or felt better prepared.
After she passed away, I realised I had prioritised the fear of not doing it perfectly over the simple act of being there. What truly mattered was the shared moment itself.
From that realisation came a decision: to transform regret into responsibility. Spending time in care homes, I saw how small gestures, such as sitting beside someone, listening, or singing together, could change the atmosphere of an afternoon and ease quiet loneliness. Together with Ariel, Antonio, and Esther, I founded Healing Harmonies to create regular music sessions that foster presence, memory, and connection.
The project rests on one principle: meaningful impact comes not from flawless performances, but from consistent, genuine presence, using music to remind residents that they are not alone.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Music therapy is not just entertainment: music activates brain networks involved in emotion, memory, attention, and stress regulation.
In older adults and people living with dementia, it can support wellbeing, engagement, and social connection. Here are the key mechanisms.
Music therapy and dementia
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Music can still activate emotional and autobiographical memory pathways, even when language declines
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Targeted musical activities encourage participation, expression, and connection
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Personalised songs can reduce agitation, increase engagement, and improve immediate wellbeing
Rhythm as an anchor for attention
- Provides a predictable framework for attention and orientation
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Helps sustain focus, coordinate movement, and trigger familiar memories
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In Alzheimer’s, rhythmic music reactivates automatic responses (clapping, humming)
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Makes it easier to respond to surroundings and connect socially despite cognitive decline
Nervous system regulation
- Regular musical tempos can sync breathing and heart rhythms (entrainment)
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Supports stress reduction and physiological calm
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Leads to more serenity, less agitation, better readiness for interaction
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Group music-making fosters emotional and social synchrony, enhancing connection.