Brighton and Hove Music for Connection

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Brighton and Hove Music for Connection

Welcome to Music for Connection, Brighton & Hove’s specialist community music service for adults of all abilities.

We wish to contribute to a society in which everyone can connect through music-making: accessing, playing, and enjoying music together, regardless of economic circumstances, ability or needs, age, social status or previous musical experience.

18/11/2025

☕Jubilee Library is warm, dry...and full of musical sounds! ♫

Our Music and Motion sessions are a fun, relaxed, voice- and movement-based session specifically designed to be dementia-friendly

Join Us! If you or someone you know might benefit from this supportive, joyful atmosphere, please come along:

🗓 Date: Monday, November 24th
⏰ Time: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
📍 Location: Jubilee Library, Central Brighton

Our work at Jubilee Library is made possible thanks to players

14/11/2025

The simple joy of making music...and friends

It's amazing how much good comes out of simply playing music together. This isn't just about learning skills, it's about finding a supportive space where people can connect, and that's incredibly important, especially now. Our Silver Strings group is a perfect example of this

When people join, they're not just practicing; they're tackling complex things like bowing, fi*****ng, and reading music, which is a fantastic way to keep the mind active

But the best part is the community. We've seen so many people make new friends and find people outside their usual circles. The sessions are always supportive, challenging, and hugely rewarding, and that mutual support is what helps everyone grow

In short, getting involved in a group like this doesn't just improve your playing; it’s great for your well-being, and turns strangers into friends who share a passion

Visit www.musicforconnection.co.uk to learn more

11/11/2025

Music for Connection's Emma shared some recent reflections, with us...

"I’m back facilitating some sessions for Music for Connection. One of the main things I’ve noticed is how much the project has grown in terms of peer leadership and support. The sessions at Brooke Mead are very relational and conversational, with participants making many song suggestions, talking about the music, taking it in turns to lead melodies on different instruments and leading the group in song.

Participant T attended Music for Connection sessions from the very beginning, 10 years ago now. He still comes to every session at Brooke Mead. Last week he arrived frail and wobbly as he got out of the taxi. As soon as he entered the space, he joked ‘I feel 6 weeks younger!’ His face and body looked changed, alert and aware, as he fed in spontaneous songs that the whole group joined in with. As he sang ‘If I ruled the world,’ (from the musical ‘Pickwick’) a song about a brighter future with moving lyrics about happiness, freedom, treasuring the moment, where every voice is heard, it felt like a spontaneous reflection of the musical world that we were co-creating in the session.

T came to our session the following week at the Jubilee Library. This session is regularly attended by M. In their first meeting they co-created a spontaneous, authentic space, through the music, as they sang love songs to each other. M was very present in the session as she sang in an animated and embodied way to T ‘Love is my reason for living. Love is my reason for giving. Here is my heart. Please use it well. Life will be only empty and lonely if it were not for love’ (by Ivor Novello). Her daughter mirrored her mother’s movements. T and M held hands as they said goodbye. It was magical to witness all the ways that they saw, heard and connected with each other through the music.

The session at Whitehawk (Hawks50), was full of energy. Attended by 20 participants, enthusiastically exploring the instruments and joining in with songs, rhythm-making and improvisation. At one point early in the session, there were 10 participants dancing in the centre of the circle.

It is a joy to be back doing sessions with Music for Connection once again"

Much of our work has been made possible thanks to players (Awards for All) and players of

07/11/2025

We're really pleased to celebrate our Programme Manager, Bela, who has joined the trustee board of Sound Sense, the UK's community music organization

Bela will be representing the incredible community music work happening right here in Brighton, on a national stage

She is delighted to rejoin the board, a role she previously held from 2013, and to bring her passion and expertise back to this vital organiaation

You can learn more about the team here: https://www.soundsense.org/about-sound-sense/meet-the-team

06/11/2025

🪘 Join the Jam: Music, Wellbeing & Community for Over 50s 🪗

We believe music should be accessible to everyone. Experience it firsthand, at our next all-abilities musical jam session

What to Expect:

This isn't about reading sheet music or needing experience—it's about an ears-first exploration! Join facilitators Anna and Bela for a playful, lighthearted improvisation session. We warm up our listening skills and then create unique, evolving pieces of music using body percussion, voices, found sounds, and simple instruments. It’s spontaneous, supportive, and incredibly rewarding

“Welcoming, fun, patient facilitators, who made us feel safe and comfortable.”

Who is this for?

The session is free for adults aged 50+ as part of our commitment to local wellbeing and social inclusion. (Under-50s are welcome with a small donation). If you're looking for a new creative outlet, a supportive group, or just a powerful boost to your sense of wellbeing, this is for you!

🗓 Date: Wednesday, December 3rd
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM GMT
📍 Location: Brighthelm Centre

🌐 https://facebook.com/events/s/all-abilities-afternoon-jam-fo/1261729949115870/
📞 01273 569096
📧 hello@musicforconnection.co.uk

This event is generously funded by the National Lottery and Postcode Society

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afternoon-all-abilities-musical-jam-for-over-50s-tickets-1884591667409

03/11/2025

🌲Open Your Ears: A Journey into the Soundscape of the Pavilion Gardens🌲

🌿As the leaves turn and the seasons shift, we invite you to experience the world not just with your eyes, but through sound

👣This isn't a typical walk; it's an "ears-first exploration". A focused, mindful adventure where the sounds of central Brighton become your music. Using fun, creative tools, we'll tune out the noise and tune into the subtle, beautiful soundscape of our shared spaces

🥾Imagine the rustle of the trees, the echo of footsteps, or the unexpected melody of city noises - all through a fresh perspective. As one participant put it, it "opened up a whole new world" for them

When: Wednesday, November 19th, from 2:15 PM to 3:30 PM

Meeting Point: we'll start in the Art Room at Brighton Museum

The Experience: we'll be moving slowly (less than a mile of walking in total) with frequent stops to simply listen. It’s an accessible route with no tricky terrain. We’ll be prepared for the weather; if the rain is heavy, the entire workshop will be moved indoors so we can stay cosy!

Inclusion: This session is funded for adults aged 50+, making it a wonderful, accessible activity. If you are under 50, you are warmly welcome to join us for a small donation. All that’s required is an open mind and a little curiosity!

🎫https://bit.ly/4qFa3Ls
📞 01273 569096
📧 hello@musicforconnection.co.uk

Much of our work has been made possible thanks to players (Awards for All) and players of

29/10/2025

🍂 Seasons change, connection stays strong! 🎶

The seasons are changing rapidly and it's bringing new energy to Brighton and Hove. But here at Brighton and Hove Music for Connection (BHMC), we're still working hard to provide our regular sessions which form the backbone of our delivery of music, community, and well-being

What might pique your interest? What can music do for you?

Whether you want to learn a new skill, find a supportive group, or engage a loved one with memory challenges, we have a place for you. Have a look at the sessions we run below:

Tue 4th: Silver Strings Open Session
Where: Brighthelm Centre (North Road)
When: 9:30-11:30 am
What: Try a stringed instrument and play as part of our friendly group, now in its 13th year! (first Tuesday of the month; booking essential)

Wed 19th: Interactive Listening Quest
When: 2:15 pm-3:30 pm
Book: For more information and to book, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1857684166349?aff=oddtdtcreator

Mon 24th: Music and Motion
Where: Jubilee Library
When: 11:15 am-12:15 pm
What: Fun and relaxed dementia-friendly voice- and movement-based session – last Monday of every month.

Fridays 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th: Sing and Play
Where: Brooke Mead Extra Care Scheme (Albion Street)
When: 11:30 am-12:30 pm
What: Playful music session for older adults, including those with memory challenges.

Much of our work has been made possible thanks to players (Awards for All) and players of People's Postcode Lottery

We look forward to seeing you there!

24/10/2025

Want to try something completely different, this Autumn?

Brighton and Hove Music for Connection invites you to an Interactive Listening Quest. It's an "ears-first exploration" that's a playful, mindful walk in central Brighton. We'll be using fun tools to really tune in to our surroundings and appreciate the beautiful shared spaces around the Pavilion Gardens

Think of it as giving your senses a little refresh! One participant said it "opened up a whole new world" for them and we couldn't agree more

When: Wednesday, November 19th, 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Where to meet: The Art Room at Brighton Museum

What to expect: a small amount of slow walking outdoors, lots of stopping to listen, and no tricky terrain. If it pours with rain, we'll stay cosy indoors.

Who can join: The session is funded for adults aged 50+, but if you're under 50, you're still very welcome, for a small donation. You don't need any musical experience at all, just an open mind!

Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/interactive-listening-quest-an-ears-first-exploration-tickets-1857684166349

📞 01273 569096
📧 hello@musicforconnection.co.uk

Much of our work has been made possible thanks to players (Awards for All) and players of

21/10/2025

✏️ Feedback is in... ✏️

We asked our Silver Strings participants why they keep coming back, and their answers were really inspiring. It's not just about playing an instrument, it's about finding joy, community, and continuous growth

Here’s what our members are learning, gaining, and developing:

1. The Joy of Skill & Growth:

“I’m learning to play a violin, to read music and to perform to audiences. The skills I’ve learnt have been enormously helpful in keeping my mind active, as bowing, fi*****ng and reading music are very complex skills!”

“I now have a regular cello lessons and I am in a community orchestra—something I’d never have imagined before joining!”

2. Connection & Community:

“I particularly like meeting people who are outside my usual friendship networks. The sessions are engrossing, supportive, challenging and hugely rewarding”

“It’s incredibly good for my well-being. I’ve been surprised by the beneficial effects both emotionally and intellectually”

3. The Magic of the Sessions

Participants say that sessions are engrossing, supportive, and challenging, with a variety of music. "Bela is extremely skilled at tailoring the sessions to everyone’s differing abilities, and ensuring everyone feels included"

Ready to join us? Find out more about joining Silver Strings and other Brighton and Hove Music for Connection (BHMfC) projects:

📧 hello@musicforconnection.co.uk
📞 01273 569096
🌐 www.musicforconnection.co.uk

17/10/2025

A wonderful Silver Strings session, this week. The air was buzzing with concentration, but also a quiet sense of joy. We had fun with pizzicato...!

14/10/2025

Making music together at the heart of the community in Jubilee Library creates moments of magic. At our most recent dementia-friendly session, several very young library users and their parents saw us and came over, bringing delight to us all! As we sang and played music by Ivor Novello and songs about beehives, some teenagers dropped in and asked to join in as a break from their studies – and so we all found ourselves singing a Beatles and Oasis medley together. It was a very special moment for everyone

At Jubilee, library users listen from a distance and move closer as a choice in the moment. People don't need to open a door to choose to enter, they can engage at the distance that is comfortable for them. People pause and smile, linger to listen, stop and tap their feet, stay to sing a little, sit nearby quietly singing along or tapping their feet and join the circle to become part of the session. This brings connections between people who perhaps may not have shared some of the morning together otherwise. The youngest member of the group in a pushchair reaches their shaker out to the oldest group member, to tap their shakers together along with the song. Music really does have the power to create communities and connections

Our project was made possible thanks to players

11/10/2025

Brooke Mead Extra Care Housing is one of the many places in Brighton and Hove where we witness evidence that music is so much more than entertainment—it’s a lifeline

For those living with dementia and other support needs, and for the incredibly dedicated carers and companions alongside them, our specialised "Music for Connection" sessions are vital

Why it Matters:

Triggering Memories: familiar songs can break through memory barriers, generating conversations and moments of precious connection

Empathy and Support: sessions create a dementia-friendly space that is supportive, joyful, and inclusive for everyone

Beyond Isolation: by focusing on shared musical expression, we build community, reduce isolation, and see marked positive differences in communication and mobility

Join the Connection! If you know someone living with dementia, or if you're a carer looking for a welcoming space, there are opportunities to get involved:

Monday, October 27th (or the final Monday of every month) 11.15am-12.15pm. Music in Motion at Jubilee Library, central Brighton

Weekly Fridays 11.30am-12.30pm: Sing and Play, Brooke Mead Extra Care Scheme (Albion Street). Upcoming Dates : 17th, 24th 31st October

Advance booking is preferred: hello@musicforconnection.co.uk

Address

Community Base, 113 Queens Road
Brighton And Hove
BN1 3XG

Website

http://musicforconnection.co.uk/contact/

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Our Story

Open Strings Music is a Brighton, UK -based not-for-profit organisation offering interactive music sessions with adults of all ages across the city. We believe creating and playing music together should be fun, easy and open to all. Our projects include: Silver Strings: our weekly later-starter string band. Come and try us out for free! We provide all instruments: violin, viola, cello for you to try out. FREE Open Sessions: first Tuesday of the month, downstairs at the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton 9:30-11:30am - contact us to book your space. Sing and Play: our free weekly creative music sessions for and with people living with dementia and their carers, commissioned by Brighton & Hove Clinical Commissioning Group - free sessions running up to April 2020 throughout the city. In these fun, gentle and supportive sessions we sing familiar and new songs together, explore instruments and sounds, move gently to music and make new friends. Music for engagement: we work with several organisations in the city to provide participatory music opportunities for mental health, adults with learning disabilities and older adults to play and enjoy music together. Teambuilding and staff engagement: sessions for wellbeing, using a range of instruments and activities.

Music training for carers of people living with dementia: National Lottery -funded free training sessions throughout Brighton & Hove 2019-2020