We believe that drumming, singing, song writing and socialising are great elements of a wellness program for all. We create a friendly, safe and fun environment and bring lots of drums and percussions to play various rhythms from all around the world together.
Music for Wellness worked in partnership with Glasgow Barons in a project called ”Musicians in Exile”. The project encouraged refugees who were musicians in their home country to play music again by buying them musical instruments and playing in a band. We formed a group of 8 musician refugees from Iraq, Syria and Iran and facilitated 10 session workshops aimed to prepare a 2 hour musical performance for a concert in Glasgow. After 10 weeks we were ready to perform, and the tickets of the concert sold out in 5 days. We had a lovely concert and people really enjoyed the middle eastern music.
I enjoyed the positive and smily and warm attitude of Ali, Nick and Lorraine. I really enjoyed the fact that no previous percussion or drumming knowledge were required and that we were all engaged in making music as a group.
The team at Music for Wellness use collective music-making to create a powerful sense of connection between people. They have twice facilitated drumming workshops with the Senior Men's Group at The Open Door Cafe and Day Care Service. The men enjoyed the first session so much they requested a second. I highly recommend Ali and his colleagues as skilled musicians and facilitators who use music to transcend the barriers of loneliness and isolation. (The men are already talking about a third session...)
A very well organised workshop delivered with skill and joy. It left me feeling energised, happy and lifted. A brilliant event and an awesome way to connect.
