Services and topics
Music, memory and encounter – matched to your group
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
Single session or series
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
Culturally sensitive work in later life
In German and Turkish
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
Tea hours and singing circles
For groups and neighbourhoods
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
Talks and training
In person or online
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
Cultural projects and choir work
Project accompaniment
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
Consultation for families
Individually or in a small group
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
Process
How working together unfolds
So you know what you are signing up for.
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.
Concept and quote
I suggest a format that suits your group and set out length, structure and fee.
Preparation
I put together songs, poems and biographical prompts, matched to the languages, origins and life stories of the participants.
Delivery
On site with keyboard, song sheets and plenty of time for stories. Relatives and care staff are invited to join in.
Looking back
Afterwards we talk about what landed well – and whether it becomes a series or a larger project.
Who for
Who I reach
Cologne and across Germany, and across Europe by arrangement. In German and Turkish, mixed-language groups included. Talks and consultation also work online.
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.
Frequent questions
Before you enquire
Who are your programmes for?
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.
Which languages do you work in?
German and Turkish. Mixed-language groups are explicitly welcome – often the finest encounters happen there, because songs connect people even without a shared language.
Where do the sessions take place?
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.
Are online formats possible?
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.
How long does a session last?
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.