Harriet Powell's music therapy helps the elderly rock and roll back the years

Published: 03 February 2011
by JOANNA LEWIN

FOR the residents of the Ingestre Road elderly people’s home, a spot of music brightens up their day – but it’s more than just an old-fashioned sing-song.

Harriet Powell, who has been nominated for a prize in Camden’s mus­ical unsung heroes awards, said the afternoon sessions at the Kentish Town home are proving therapeutic for people in advanced years.

And some of her “students” have even learned to play new instruments.

Ms Powell’s name is among the nominations that have flooded into the Mayor’s office at the Town Hall since the launch of Councillor Jonathan Simpson’s awards.

“It isn’t just about singing the old songs,” said Ms Powell. “As lovely as that is, there’s so much more with music therapy because of its improvising nature, which allows people to be creative and expressive.”

Other techniques in her repertoire include encouraging residents to try new instruments and listen to different types of music to provoke emotions.

“It’s very much about them calling the shots and choosing what we do,” said Ms Powell.

“Some people might have a snooze during the session, others get very stimulated and want to play the instruments, and others might want to sing.” 

One resident at the Ingestre Road Elderly People’s Home is Bill Lawson, who has learned to play the snare drum and symbols since taking part in music therapy sessions. 

He said: “It’s a good way to pass away the time. If you’re stuck in a room all the time you get bored. All in all it’s very good therapy.”

Ms Powell’s group sessions are also a way of encouraging residents to interact with each ­other. “The interaction is sometimes more important than the music,” she added. “Some people are very isolated. So it’s really important for them to interact with other people and have a chance to not feel like a patient for a while.”

Her one-to-one sessions have been credited with helping people suffering from dementia.

For one resident they are literally a chance to communicate, as the condition leads her to forget English and revert back to her mother tongue. 

“I can’t understand Polish and she’s finding it harder to speak in English. Music is a language we can both communicate in,” said Ms Powell.

Happy to be nominated, she stressed that her satisfaction comes more from the feedback she gets at the end of each session. One resident said after a session therapy: “Well, that was better than medicine.”

Suzette Williams, a care worker at the home, said: “We have some people here who would never take part in activities, but since Harriet started, they now sing, remember old war songs and things that they used to do many years ago. They really come alive, it makes them feel independent, and it really is enjoyable.”

Cllr Jonathan Simpson is searching for people who help keep the borough at the centre of Britain’s rock ’n’ roll map – but also those who use music to help the community.

The awards are backed by the New Journal and sponsorship from King’s Cross Central, Apollo and Bulldog ensures that no public money will be spent on them. An awards ceremony will be held at the Roundhouse on March 28.

Send us your nominations

DO you know an unsung musician, music venue manager or teacher who deserves one of the mayor’s awards? Do you know anybody who has played an important role in keeping Camden’s music heritage alive? Make your nominations now. Send your suggestions by March 11 to: Councillor Jonathan Simpson, Mayor of Camden, Town Hall, Judd Street WCIH 9JE. Email: mayor@camden.gov.uk