Live Music Now were thrilled to partner with Parkhaven Trust again in 2024 enabling musicians to visit the trust’s homes, made possible with funding from the P.H. Holt Foundation. Over five months, Live Music Now musicians conducted engaging music sessions at two Parkhaven homes: The Beeches and James Page House, both in Maghull, Merseyside.
The Beeches is a residential and nursing service for people with dementia, which Live Music Now worked with the previous year. Around 45 residents, plus their families and the full staff team were involved in the visits, which took place across several of the units.
James Page House is a nursing home for older people and this is the first time we have worked with the home. 36 residents and their families and the full staff team benefited from the music sessions.
Each home received 14 sessions, the majority of which were delivered by Ste Forshaw. As the musician-in-residence he was able to build rapport with staff and residents over several months, and tailor his sessions accordingly. Guest musicians made up the rest of the performances and gave the homes an opportunity to experience different styles of music.
Live Music Now concerts are interactive and participatory in nature, with musicians engaging the residents, families and staff throughout, creating more meaningful experiences and memories. Musicians passed out percussion instruments and encouraged participation through singing, beat-making, movement and playing requested songs.
“On Ash wing the concerts regularly created a joyous and spirited atmosphere, with lots of smiles and laughter, singing and dancing. I was delighted to see strong social connections being made as a small group of friends who regularly sat together (front row seats!) would encourage one another to sing along and play percussion.” – Ste Forshaw, musician
These performances help to improve wellbeing, combat isolation, reduce depression and build confidence and self-esteem by engaging residents in meaningful activity which connects them with staff and other residents. Many residents repeatedly spoke about how much the music meant to them and how happy they were with the concerts.
“Music helps residents as it effects their mood in a positive way. Listening to music from their genre helps as it is music they remember listening to. Music therapy has been proven to raise good mood.” – Carer
The feedback supports the importance of high quality and engaging live music on resident’s emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing. The project also helped to build connections between staff and residents and create a more enjoyable workplace.
“I always feel happy when residents are happy, [it] makes it worthwhile.” – Housekeeper
Feedback & Evaluation
All Live Music Now musicians are required to provide feedback after each performance and staff at the care home also completed feedback forms. The following feedback from the homes and musicians illustrates the impact of the sessions, in particular the effect of providing uplifting and engaging performances, improving mood for residents and staff and enabling access to experiences that would not otherwise be possible.
“Staff at the Beeches are excellent at facilitating the concerts. On Oak wing one member of staff would sing along and encourage others to do so. I asked her if she was in a choir because she was always perfectly in tune and she said no. A few weeks later she told me she had joined a choir because of what I had said and she was loving it.” – Ste Forshaw, musician
“I feel confident to join in with singing and dancing to help encourage residents to participate. […] I have actually joined a community choir outside of the Beeches because of one of our regular musicians.” – Registered Nurse
“Live Music is opening conversations between service users and staff and has helped promote person centred entertainment and given us more insight.” – Care Worker
“To see residents interact with the music is so joyful to see and helps the mood of everyone.” – Housekeeper
“Music improves their mood and behaviour and on occasion helps with memories of good times.” – Clinical Lead/Deputy Manager
“The residents enjoy the music for social interaction with their peers. It helps with anxiety and stress.” – Carer
“It was not only entertaining, it was improved mind relaxation. It was really music therapy; help with residents help with stress and tense. They were clapping and singing, showing their positive emotions. […] It’s improved my motivation and made me happier and reduced my stress.” – Care Supervisor
Resident Case Studies
James Page House
T: A big music fan who enjoyed the concerts immensely. He would close his eyes and sing along, swept up in the music. He refused percussion in the early weeks because he said his Parkinson’s prevented him. However, during the final concert he took a tambourine and was keeping a steady beat throughout the gig.
I: Nearly 100 years old, she would sometimes struggle to stay awake and alert but would always get involved, tapping feet, singing along. One week she was playing the shaker so loudly other residents had to move away! She was very keen to make conversation and was so complimentary about the music and how much it meant for her that the concerts were happening.
B: He suffers with back pain and would sometimes need to complain or cry out. Despite this he was keen to engage with the music nearly every week and made sure to give applause and kind words after every single song. He liked to join in the hymn Amazing Grace with his deep baritone voice, very rousing!
The Beeches
P: A retired musician whose dementia is advanced. Even on days when he was tired and withdrawn he lifted his head, opened his eyes wide, made eye contact and sang out loud in response to live music. His singing often continued for a good while after the concert finished.
The Musicians who delivered sessions:
Ste Forshaw – is a singer/songwriter originally from Merseyside. He draws on indie, folk and soul influences to bring to life an incredible array of original songs.
Elinor Nicholson – is an award-winning harpist boasting the harp’s versatility: ethereal, whimsical sounds to unexpected percussive riffs. Elinor performs music showcasing her Scottish roots, her classical training and her love for pop music.
Sam Rodwell – is a classical guitarist who graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music. Audiences can expect a rare insight into the classical guitar and its quirks with music ranging from Bach to the upbeat sounds of South Africa.
Nicole Boardman and Iwan Owen – Classical singer and pianist originally from Liverpool and Anglesey, North Wales. Nicole and Iwan met in Manchester and they enjoy performing a variety of repertoire, from Classical and Opera to Folk and Musical Theatre.
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Photography credit: Sophie Whitley Photo.
Photos taken August 2024 at The Beeches Care Home. All permissions granted.
