TURTLE SONG
CREATING ORIGINAL SONGS, SHARED MEMORIES AND LASTING CONNECTIONS.
TURTLE SONG IS A TEN-WEEK CREATIVE PROGRAMME FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR COMPANIONS AND CARERS.
Since 2008, the project has brought together music, song-writing, movement and singing in supportive and welcoming environments across the UK.
Over ten weekly sessions, participants work with professional musicians and music students to write lyrics, compose music and create their own original song cycle. The programme culminates in a live performance for friends and family, celebrating the creativity, individuality and shared achievements of everyone involved. Participants also receive a recording of their work, creating a lasting record of the songs they have made together.
The programme provides a welcoming space where people can express themselves creatively, meet others and enjoy the shared experience of making music. For companions and carers, it offers opportunities to participate alongside their loved ones and create new memories together.
Turtle Song has been featured in the BBC documentary Holding Back the Years and continues to bring people together through the shared joy of music-making.
"I cried silent tears of sorrow, of pride, of happiness, of loss, of admiration, of gratitude and more. Thank you for bringing joy to my mum, for accepting her just as she is and for making her truly happy. I have not seen her smile like that for a long time, today she was my beautiful, intelligent, kind & caring, fun loving mum again” Daughter of a participant
Free to all participants, Turtle Song is a collaboration between English Touring Opera, the Royal College of Music and Turtle Key Arts.
With thanks to The Henry Smith Charity, Mark Armitage, C.A. Redfern Charitable Foundation and Scouloudi Foundation.
Explore our archive films to see Turtle Song in action.
