Music in Herts Dementia Care Champion

Course fees: Fully funded, and only available for Residential & Nursing Homes in Hertfordshire
Audience: Current Dementia and Engagement Champions or Equivalent training.

Three day course at HCPA Campus
All sessions must be attended
Day 1: 09/09/2025
Day 2: 10/09/2025
Day 3: 19/09/2025
Delegates and Managers should watch this 1 hour Introduction session to fully understand the requirements of the programme WATCH HERE
Following training, delegates will be observed onsite delivering music sessions, and attend monthly 1 hour online network sessions

Entry Requirements – Delegates are required to have existing extended knowledge in dementia (eg HCPA Dementia or Engagement Champion or equivalent.) It is recommendation that each provider books two people to attend. Champions must be in a position to effect change within their service.

Delegates should also complete this pre-learning prior to attending WATCH HERE

Music Therapy has many emotional, social, cognitive and physical health benefits. It can help anyone at any given time.
Music in dementia care:
• Promotes verbal and non verbal expression
• Increases opportunities for meaningful interaction
• Increases levels of cognitive stimulation
• Promotes the use of unimpaired cognitive function
• Enables reminiscence and strengthens self-identity
• Promotes engagement and communication among residents through social interaction

By undertaking this programme, the delegate and the care organisation commits to deliver work-based learning to share knowledge with wider staff teams, obtaining consent from participants, and gathering evidence to support the research project. Champions are also expected to attend monthly online networking sessions to maintain recognition within the programme.

The Music in Herts Dementia Care Champion aims to provide delegates with the skills and confidence to embed therapeutic music techniques into dementia care, improving the quality of life for people living with dementia. Benefits may include improved communication and wellbeing, reduced anxiety and depression, increased self-esteem, cognitive stimulation, opportunities for reminiscence, emotional expression, and connection to cultural identity.

The course is co-delivered by HCPA and a Music 24 music therapist. Delegates will gain an in-depth understanding of social care best practice alongside expert advice and demonstrations from a highly experienced music therapist.

Over three days, delegates will learn to create personalised music experiences for people living with dementia, taking into account their musical preferences, histories, and cultural backgrounds. Training areas include passive listening to music, active listening to music, playing instruments or singing and talking about music.
Life stories and person-centred approaches are integrated throughout the course to help delegates understand residents’ individual musical journeys. Music is recognised as a valuable tool to support mood and behaviour, helping care teams embed positive behaviour support approaches.
Delegates will also learn to use a dedicated toolbox of resources. These include structured session plans with clear instructions to build confidence and facilitate engagement. Session plans will include warm-up exercises, main activities, and concluding activities such as singing, playing instruments, or movement, tailored to each resident’s abilities.

Resources – Champions will have access to a resource library of tools, videos and activity session plans to run in their care service, in addition to communication tools on how to engage residents, staff and families, alongside consent forms.

Practical activities will involve:
• Using a variety of instruments
• Rhythm and pitch exercises
• Pattern recognition
• Movement and call-and-response activities
• Creating personalised playlists to encourage social and cognitive engagement

During the course, delegates will begin creating music session plans and a personal Champion action plan. These will need to be completed as between days two and three. On day three, each delegate will deliver a 10–15 minute music session demonstration and receive developmental feedback to support their ongoing progress.

After completing the three-day course, an in-service follow-up observation will be arranged. This will assess a live music session and review the delegates action plan. This stage also provides further feedback and is when the service can receive formal recognition. Following the course, Champions will benefit from a monthly support network that promotes collaboration and continuous improvement in dementia care. They will also gain access to a growing library of therapeutic music resources to enhance their practice.

Equipment – A musical starter pack will be created for each home to allow sessions to start without any delays. This pack will include basic percussion, scarves and an optional Bluetooth Speaker. Packs will be provided at the end of the final day of training – be sure to arrange adequate transport for collection on the final day.

Learning Outcomes:
• Champion music sessions confidently in a number of different ways
• Understand the many benefits of music therapy
• Understand how to use music to connect with residents
• Understand how to apply person-centred approaches to fulfil someone’s music preferences and overcoming mic-conceptions
• Understand how to integrate music preferences and therapeutic techniques within life stories and general care planning
• Understand strategies to implement music preferences
• Identify ways to engage with a group of people with complex needs and abilities
• Build a rapport with residents and create a welcoming environment that supports the ‘whole person’
• Have the ability to be compassionate and understanding of everyone’s needs
• Know how to plan and deliver evidence-based sessions from the selection of resources available.
• Understand how to cascade to staff through work- time learning sessions
• Understand ways to evidence impact of music in dementia care
• Practical observation of the 15-minute session

*Please note: As per our T&C’s, this course carries a fee in the event of non-attendance, non-completion or late cancellation.
Delegates who are late may not be admitted into the training and a cost incurred.
Bookings of more than two delegates per site may be amended to allow access to all member organisations at the discretion of HCPA.