Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust Musicality event in Perth

Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust Musicality event in Perth

WEDNESDAY, 17 DECEMBER, 2014

EMBARGOED UNTIL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 2.15PM, THURSDAY, 18 DECEMBER, MONCRIEFFE COMMUNITY CENTRE, GLENLYON ROAD, PERTH

Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust Musicality event in Perth

People living with life limiting illnesses were singing out and celebrating through music at an event in Perth today (Thursday).

The Musicality for Cornhill Macmillan Centre programme is run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) in association with NHS Tayside.

The eight-week Musicality programme focuses on the benefits of singing and exploring the participants’ creativity through music as a fun and enjoyable activity.

Singing coach and composer Debra Salem worked with the group to develop their singing voices through a number of different songs and rhythm exercises. The group were also given the opportunity to play the ukulele.

Participants from across Perth & Kinross performed their repertoire of songs at the Moncrieffe Community Centre in Perth.

Debra said, “Over the weeks I have introduced a variety of different songs and the group decided what song they wanted to work on. I have been so delighted by their enthusiasm for learning.

“We also introduced a new element which is learning the ukulele. This has been a fun addition and people have really responded very positively even though some have never played a musical instrument before.”

Karine Neill, development officer with THAT, said, “It was very clear from our previous programme experience and recent research that music and singing can be very beneficial for people with long term health conditions.

“This group has valued the opportunity to come together and see music and singing as an important and very enjoyable way to provide positive health benefits.”

THAT promotes the therapeutic value of arts-based programmes to enhance quality of life, to promote social inclusion and to empower the individual to make an important contribution to their health and

wellbeing.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134

17 December 2014