It was with utter shame and embarrassment as a professional musician of many years that I had not stepped one foot in a care home. I had not thought about or even considered for one minute the skills I had as a musician could bring joy, a deeper emotional connection and peace of mind to those of an older generation residing in care homes as they lived out the final days of their life. 

 

The I See You project was born after my dad had a stroke and suffering from the early stages of dementia was admitted and subsequently died six months later in a care home in Kent. He was my hero. During one of my last visits to see dad he was significantly more together, brighter and happier and on asking him why, he said two young girls had come into the care home and sung karaoke style to the residents. Dad said the singing was awful but he loved hearing live music and for that hour they sung he said he completely forgot he was old and at the end of his life. He described it as a great relief and peace of mind for that one hour. 

 

Within a matter of weeks Dad had passed away.  

 

His death and seeing the joy and peace he had experienced for that short time that one day had a profound effect on me and I knewI had to take live music to the bedsides of those in care. Not think it, not dream it, not talk about it but do it and keep doing it well until I can do it no longer and expect nothing in return just give. 

 

Although I didn’t realise it then the I See You project was born.  I was about to travel a journey where I found out more about myself than the notes I played. I unexpectedly made friends with so many elderly people and connected with them in a way I hadn’t experienced or enjoyed before. I’ve laughed, and cried, been moved and fulfilled in equal measure. 

 

I could write for hours about the wonderful people I’ve met as they travel the last days of their life and how interacting with them through the untouchable power of live music has bought so much to them that can never be put into words but you see it in their eyes and their smile. 

 

Yet something so simple and with a country full of professional, amateur and young musicians so little of it happens. Why? 

 

Just giving live music for half an hour a week, a month or twice a year will make a huge difference to their well being and their heart and soul and they will give back in return in ways never thought possible. 

 

Music and the soul can not be seen or touched and that is why they are the perfect partners and because music cares.