Tony runs community music sessions, both singing and instrumental,
as a way of bringing people together, sharing songs,
and exploring musical expression and creativity.
And just having fun, of course.

He currently works predominantly in health care settings with people a wide range psychiatric and brain injury conditions, and has run groups extensively with marginalised communities
such as the elderly, refugees and asylum seekers, the homeless, ‘excluded’ youth,
and with people in drug treatment.

Here’s a recent testimonial :

“Tony has sung with our patients who have a range of mental health needs and /or dementia for the past 3 years. His visits evoke excitement and pleasure. He customises his songs for audience requests and allow improvisation as the songs are expanded or tempos change depending on mood. Tony interacts with patients with a thoughtful and warm demeanour and is inclusive for our less vocal singers working with percussion and rhythm.

The sessions have evolved with waves of high energy familiar requests expanded to include country, folk, gospel, reggae and pop.

Our patients sometimes show negative behaviours and Tony has a deep sense of understanding and flexibility for this, never becoming phased and adapting the music to the altered mood. He has a warm and open attitude to all participants and plays with genuine pleasure with them. His group has become a mainstay of activities at Priory Bristol.

Claire Crew-Gee,
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Priory Mental Health Hospital, Bristol

February 2021