What people want to know before enquiring

For older people, for people living with dementia and for their families. Also for care and support professionals, associations, cultural institutions and education providers who want to build their own programmes or train their team.

German and Turkish. Mixed-language groups are explicitly welcome – often the finest encounters happen there, because songs connect people even without a shared language.

I come to you: care homes, senior centres, cultural venues, parish halls or association rooms. Cologne and the Rhineland are my focus, but I am available across Germany and, by arrangement, across Europe.

Yes. I offer talks, training and consultation for families online as well. Participatory musical sessions, however, live on being present together and work considerably better on site.

That depends on the group. A musical afternoon usually runs one to two hours, a training session half a day or a full day. I accompany project series over several weeks or months. We agree length and structure beforehand.

With people living with dementia, small circles work best, because everyone can be seen there. For singalong concerts and talks, larger groups are fine too. Just tell me how many people you expect.

The fee depends on format, length, travel and preparation. Describe what you have in mind and you will receive a concrete, no-obligation quote.

A quiet room, seating in a circle or around a table, and depending on the format a power socket for the keyboard. Everything else – song sheets, instrument, materials – I bring with me.

Very gladly. Many sessions are deliberately built so that relatives and care staff can sing along and contribute. Memories are then shared rather than merely asked about.

We sit in a circle or around a table, usually with a cup of tea. I bring song sheets and my keyboard, we sing together, and conversations and memories come in along the way. There is no rigid programme – the group helps decide where it goes.

No. It is not about beautiful voices, it is about joining in. Many people only hum along, tap the beat or simply listen. That is participation too.

Yes, that is exactly when it is worthwhile. Familiar melodies are often still there when words have become difficult. I have seen someone sing a whole song who barely speaks in daily life.

Yes, I bring my keyboard and accompany the singing myself. All you need is a socket nearby. I bring song sheets and materials as well.

The earlier the better – especially for dates around World Alzheimer's Day in September. Short-notice enquiries are welcome all the same; just ask what is still free.