The following are some amazing people and programs which we have come across. 

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Respectful Beats / Steve Benedetto

https://respectfulbeats.com
Based out of Massachusetts, Steve has developed a unique drum based percussion therapy program.  Steve has hosted approximately 1,000 sessions with seniors in care homes.  With Respectful beats the participants have bongo drums to play long while Steve leads on his drum kit, along to music which he curates for each session based on the era of there participants.  Steve has also developed a very well structured warm up and cool down exercises to engage the participants.  
We had a great conversation with Steve and he has so many examples of seeing how percussion therapy cuts through so many other things and connects with the people who he works with. 

Steve has written some interesting articles such as Drumming Helps Dementia Patients 

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Clem Burke Drumming Project 
https://clemburkedrummingproject.org

The Clem Burke Drumming Project (CBDP) was founded in 2008 by Dr Clem Burke (drummer, Blondie), Professor Steve Draper (Hartpury University) and Professor Marcus Smith (University of Chichester).

 

What initially set out to examine the physiological demands of playing ‘live’ during one-off (i.e. Glastonbury) and multiple gigs (i.e. World Tour) has grown into exploring the physical, mental and health benefits of drumming.

 

The finding’s from our pioneering work, using the latest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, can be accessed via the RESEARCH tab.
 

Nature Therapy Online - Dr Kim Brown

https://www.naturetherapyonline.com

Nature therapy online is a nationally accredited training provider.  They deliver unique and engaging projects aimed at building sensory resilience. Kim has been involved in numerous research projects and is currently has a grant for a research program via Bornmouth University which will be completed in the near future. 

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Heather Davidson, MA,MT-BC

Music Therapist, Drum Circle Facilitator

Here is a YouTube video featuring heather. 

Heather also recommends the book “Alive with Alzheimer’s” by Cathy Stein Greenblat.  This books also has a chapter about the work Heather did at Silverado Senior Living in California. 

 

Tom Maisey, Drumming Out Dementia 

Tom is currently developing a product to take to market with the support of Alzheimer's Society as a partner.  

 

Toms product development is highlighted in the UK Alzheimer's society website under "innovative product" and also highlighted on his website at www.drummingoutdementia.com

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Our Dementia Choir 

https://www.ourdementiachoir.com/about-the-choir

Our Dementia Choir’ began as part of a documentary created for BBC. The two part series saw acclaimed actress Vicky McClure take us on a deeply personal journey where she sets out to discover the true extent of music’s power in combatting dementia

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Beat It Percussion

Promoting Well-Being & Good Mental Health Through Rhythm & Sound

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How to Keep Time: A Drum Solo for Dementia

visit website

Using just his voice and a Roland TD-4KP electric drumkit, Antosh Wojcik explores the effects of dementia on speech, memory and family through the moving story of his Polish grandfather. Poems become beats become glitches in a mesmeric display of live drumming and spoken word.

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Beat It Music and Movement - Jo Cook 

Visit website​
Jo is a qualified school music teacher with a Bachelor of Music and Diploma in Education (secondary). She has worked in the school system for over 20 years as an instrument tutor, band conductor and classroom music teacher. From a basic understanding of neuroplasticity and being involved in a research project about 'Music Mind and Movement' Jo created a therapeutic music and movement program with the aim to increase the quality of life of people in aged care and people with a disability. This is achieved through both challenging and using the whole brain. In this program participants are engaged socially, physically and cognitively while playing instruments and moving to music familiar to them.

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