After four years of delivering Singing for the Brain sessions throughout the North East, music therapist John Casey launches a brand-new concept that is both dynamic and revolutionary in the field of Music Therapy.
John Casey’s (Musical) Madhouse is a unique service which incorporates singing, humour and an element of theatricals to deliver the perfect “music therapy” experience.
Singing isn’t just an enjoyable activity. It offers a “window of opportunity” for people with dementia to express themselves in a fun and supportive way.
Hidden in the fun are activities which trigger the preserved memories of the brain. Even when memories are difficult to retrieve, music is especially easy to recall.
As well as singing, participants are encouraged to partake in gentle, non-strenuous rhythmic movements such as clapping, tapping and playing a percussion instrument.
As we embark our musical journey down Memory Lane, we are joined by a host of fictional madcap characters who lead participants through the varying musical generations. A large projector screen displays song lyrics, reminiscent photos and a series of newspaper headlines (of the day) which really helps to get the memories flowing.
The aim of the Musical Madhouse is simple. To provide a fun and light-hearted afternoon/evening of reminiscence, laughter and song. Our hope is that it delivers even more.
Read more about our offering below, or click here to view our characters and shows.
Group-based sessions
We can accommodate any number of participants and any location such as care homes, hospices, and community centres.
Participants are encouraged to “throw caution to the wind” and join us of a fun-packed, musical trip down Memory Lane whilst singing a host of well-known songs of yesteryear. As we embark on our musical journey, we are joined by a host of madcap fictional characters to add a touch of lighthearted humour along the way.
As a visual aid, a large projector screen displays the lyrics to every song, as well as a series of reminiscent photos and newspaper headlines of the day, which really does help to get the memories flowing!
As well as singing, participants are encouraged to partake in gentle, non-strenuous rhythmic movements such as clapping, tapping and playing a percussion instrument - and don’t worry about the tambourines and maracas, we’ve got that covered too..
Online sessions
Thanks to the advancement of modern technology, we are now able to offer fully interactive sessions at the touch of a button. On-line sessions are the perfect solution in these unprecedented times of pandemic-enforced restrictions.
Whilst a projector screen may be preferable for larger groups wishing to interact directly (in live broadcasts) any smart enabled television is sufficient.
One-to-one/bedside
One-to-One sessions are a unique concept. Ideal for nursing homes and hospices looking to provide a personalized service to clients unable to participate in group-based activities due to illness or mobility issues.
In these uncertain times of enforced restrictions, One-to-One sessions, (whether on-line or in-person) ensure that those individuals who require and benefit most from our service, continue to do so.
End-of-life/Palliative care
Our aim is to provide a stimulating experience aimed at re-awakening an individual’s interest and attention. Ideally, these sessions will consist of music deemed “familiar” or “special” to the individual.
Depending on an individual’s physical and mental state bedside sessions may include:
Soft classical music, such as lullabies or non-rhythmic instrumental music to reduce agitation and anxiety. Agitated individual’s may be encouraged to participate in rhythmic activity such as singing, tapping or shaking a percussion instrument as a means of redirecting agitation.
We can accommodate any setting or location such as a hospice, care home facility or community centre.
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