Together in Sound

Together in Sound is a partnership between CIMTR and Saffron Hall, a local concert hall in Essex, that offers free interactive music therapy groups for those living with dementia and their companions.

A group of older people sitting in a circle with song sheets while Claire Molyneux plays acoustic guitar Watch the Together in Sound film

Together in Sound: A Journey with Dementia

A film about the process and impact of Together in Sound, created by participants and their loved ones with the help of filmmaker Holly Cassidy,

Our Together in Sound music therapy groups, established in 2017, aim to bring the power of music to those living with dementia. We focus on joint music-making and listening with a goal of supporting communication, relationships, and increasing quality of life through a collaborative group process backed by CIMTR's world-class research.

There are opportunities to sing, play and listen to live music together, with weekly sessions led by music therapists and visiting professional musicians from Saffron Hall. The ten-week groups conclude with an informal sharing and celebration with friends and family.

Spring 2024

We are currently welcoming applications to join Together in Sound Saffron Walden, with sessions commencing in April 2024.

Once we have received your application, a member of the Together in Sound team will be in touch. Please be aware that as there is an increasing demand for places in Together in Sound groups, we may hold a waiting list for participants.

Who can join?

The groups are for anyone living with a diagnosis of dementia and their main carer, friend or relative who is consistently able to accompany.

The groups are run by a registered Music Therapist and Music Therapy students from ARU's Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research.

Where are the sessions held?

The taster sessions and weekly sessions will take place at the Salvation Army Hall, Abbey Lane, Saffron Walden, CB10 1AG. The sharing session will take place at Saffron Hall.

When are the sessions held?

There are currently three groups on Fridays: 10-11.30am, 12-1pm, and 2-3.30pm.

Please make sure you tell us your availability on the Together in Sound application form.

Cost

Free of charge to all participants. Saffron Hall is a registered charity – all donations welcome.

How to apply

If you or someone you know is interested in attending Together in Sound, visit the Saffron Hall website.

Molyneux, C., Hardy, T., Lin, Y-T., McKinnon, K., Merchant, H., Smith, R. and Odell-Miller, H. (2021) 'Still Together in Sound: narratives from online music therapy with people with dementia and their companions during lockdown', Journal of Music, Health and Wellbeing.

Molyneux, C., Hardy, T., Lin, Y-T., McKinnon, K. and Odell-Miller, H. (2020) 'Together in Sound: Music therapy groups for people with dementia and their companions – moving online in response to a pandemic', Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, ISSN 2459-3338.