Music
Our Music project gives people a chance to join friendly music sessions led by professional musicians, whether they have played music before or are complete beginners. Everyone is welcome.
About our Music Project
The Common Wheel Music project offers group music sessions for people living with mental illness, dementia or other support needs. Activities are led by trained musicians who make sure everyone can join in. Music sessions are relaxed, open and accessible. No music experience is needed. People can play, sing, listen or just enjoy being part of the group. The focus is on encouraging creativity and building confidence.
Music sessions might include singing, drumming, trying different percussion, songwriting, or just listening and joining in as you like. The aim is to make music together in an open way.
No. You do not need any experience or knowledge. Sessions are open to everyone. You can join in at your own pace.
All sessions are run by professional musicians who have experience working with people living with mental illness, dementia or who have support needs. Sessions are supportive and friendly.
There are community sessions, sessions for hospital inpatients and sessions for care homes. We work mainly in Glasgow and the surrounding area.
Yes. Sessions are adapted to suit all needs. You can take part by making sounds, sharing ideas, or listening and being present.
Who this project is best suited for
Our Music project is open to adults in Glasgow living with mental illness or dementia, or who need extra support in daily life. Charities and support groups often refer people who find it hard to join community activities or who struggle with confidence or connection. People who are anxious in groups can take part at their own pace. The project is also welcoming for people with limited movement or communication. If you want to try something new and join a gentle, creative space, this could be the right fit.
We offer regular music workshops at our Campbell House base for adults managing or recovering from mental illness who live in the community.
- Interactive group music sessions
- Take place at our Campbell House base on the campus of Gartnavel Royal Hospital
- Group sizes of up to approx. 12
- Sessions run by professional musicians
- Several blocks of weekly sessions run throughout the year with breaks in between
- The group is open to people who have no previous experience of music making and also those who are already experienced to any level.
- Activities may involve:
- Drumming and percussion
- Playing instruments and singing
- Song writing and composing
- Improvisation
We run weekly music groups in the wards of Mental Health Hospitals in Glasgow. If you are in hospital and want to take part, please speak to your Ward Manager or OT. If you are a member of staff and think your hospital ward could benefit from our music groups please contact stuart@commonwheel.org.uk
- Interactive group music sessions
- Take place on a Mental Health Hospital ward or at our Campbell House base on the campus of Gartnavel Royal Hospital
- Group sizes of up to approx. 15
- Sessions run by professional musicians
- NHS staff also attend to provide support
- Session content tailored to the patients attending the group that day and steered by their preferences
- Musical activities may involve:
- Singing together
- Rhythm work with percussion
- Focused listening
- Group improvising
- Band style sessions using instruments
- Songwriting and composing
- Sessions last approx. 40 mins
We run monthly music groups at our base on the Gartnavel Royal Campus for people living with dementia, their carers and family.
Our "Moment for Music" group runs on the first Friday of every month (excluding January) 10.30am - 11.45am at Campbell House, Gartnavel Royal Hospital.
This group is for anyone living with dementia and their family and friends. You can expect:
- Group singing, group instrument playing
- Tea and Coffee
- No musical experience necessary
If you need help to attend, please come with a companion who can provide any support you need.
Young people aged 18 and over are welcome to join our Community music sessions.
We also deliver Make Music Make a Difference, a community project run in partnership with NHS Esteem (a specialist early intervention service for young adults who have experienced a first episode of psychosis). Appropriate referrals from other agencies may be considered on a case by case basis.
What Music offers for participants:
Beneficial Outcomes for Participants
Music sessions can build confidence, boost mood and help people feel part of a group. Taking part may support better communication and self-esteem. Many find regular sessions improve their wellbeing and bring a sense of achievement.
Participant Feedback
Referral Enquiry
Find out more about availability and referral process for our music projects to support new skills, confidence, and greater wellbeing in a caring, inclusive Common Wheel community.