# Music, memory and encounter – matched to your group

> Bilgen Pehlivan – Cultural gerontologist · Cultural and project manager · Speaker. https://bilgen-karasu.de/en/services

I shape content and structure around the interests, possibilities and limits of the participants. Do get in touch even if your plan is not described here exactly.

## Dementia and music

Familiar songs reach people living with dementia where words alone no longer do.

- Singalong circles with songs from a person's own life story
- Musical prompts for memory, mood and communication
- Involving families and care staff

Single session or series

## Culturally sensitive work in later life

Ways to reach older people with a migration background – in their language and with their songs.

- Training for care and support teams
- Biography work with music, language and memories
- Accompanying Turkish-speaking groups and families

In German and Turkish

## Tea hours and singing circles

A sheltered space to arrive, listen, tell stories and belong – over tea and music.

- Regular encounter formats for older people
- Songs, poems and conversations about home and memory
- Also possible across generations

For groups and neighbourhoods

## Talks and training

Methods from cultural gerontology, taught hands-on – for institutions, associations and professional days.

- Talks on cultural gerontology and participation in later life
- Training for care, support and volunteer teams
- Advice on designing your own programmes

In person or online

## Cultural projects and choir work

From the first idea through planning to delivery – cultural projects with staying power.

- Designing, organising and running events
- Choir work and musical group sessions
- Partnerships with cultural venues, associations and funders

Project accompaniment

## Consultation for families

How music can carry everyday life with a relative living with dementia.

- One-to-one conversations for family members
- Ideas for music and rituals in daily life
- Also available as online consultation

Individually or in a small group

## How working together unfolds

1. **First conversation**: You describe what you have in mind: who takes part, what should come of it, what is possible. The conversation is without obligation.
2. **Concept and quote**: I suggest a format that suits your group and set out length, structure and fee.
3. **Preparation**: I put together songs, poems and biographical prompts, matched to the languages, origins and life stories of the participants.
4. **Delivery**: On site with keyboard, song sheets and plenty of time for stories. Relatives and care staff are invited to join in.
5. **Looking back**: Afterwards we talk about what landed well – and whether it becomes a series or a larger project.

## Who I reach

- **Care homes and senior centres**: Regular musical sessions, culturally sensitive support and training for your teams.
- **Cultural venues, choirs and museums**: Designing and delivering low-barrier cultural formats for an ageing audience.
- **Families and initiatives**: Consultation, discussion circles and musical prompts for everyday life with dementia.
- **Education providers and conferences**: Talks and workshops on cultural gerontology, participation in later life and migration biographies.

Cologne and across Germany, and across Europe by arrangement. In German and Turkish, mixed-language groups included. Talks and consultation also work online.

## Contact

- Bilgen Pehlivan, Bugenhagenstraße 37, 51061 Köln
- Phone: 0174 3292003
- Email: kontakt@bilgen-karasu.de
- Make an enquiry: https://bilgen-karasu.de/en/contact