Community Musician
Jenny believes everyone in society should have access to the joy of singing and live music. Over the past 15 years, Jenny has been specialising in offering live music and education to those living with dementia and children and young adults with SEND.
Hallé Music Stars
Jenny delivers Hallé Musical Stars, an interactive music session for pre-school children and their grown-ups. The session uses colourful props and movement to introduce pitch, rhythm, and musicianship skills through familiar nursery rhymes and songs.
Alongside Halle Musical Stars, Jenny also performs with a string trio from the Hallé in Hallé Magic. This session uses toys and props to stimulate musical activities and is child-led. Jenny has delivered this programme at Hallé St Peter’s, Manchester Art Gallery and SureStart Centres in Greater Manchester.
“Jenny is a patient, enthusiastic and animated teacher. Her lessons are both productive and fun, my daughter loves attending her SEND class and has grown in ability and confidence since starting. Thank you Jenny.”
Julia
Parent of SEND Choir member
Music for Health
Jenny has been performing regularly with Lost Chord and Music in care and Hospitals for 15 years. She adores seeing the positive change that live music can bring, often taking them back in their memories to a positive place, escaping the reality of living with dementia for a brief moment in time. The music opens up conversations and transforms people into their true selves, and sparks joy in their eyes. The positive effect of music comforts everyone in the setting, including carers and staff, giving everyone a boost.
No live music sessions are the same. Jenny is sensitive to every setting and will sing well-known repertoire from great movie musicals like The Sound of Music, Calamity Jane, The Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady, and many more. She responds to live requests, and sessions often end up including a wide range of songs, such as Elvis, ABBA, Hymns, classical opera arias, and many more.
Her work with those with Dementia has been showcased on BBC Breakfast as part of the So Many Beauties Festival at Bridgewater Hall.
Her music in the community also reaches out to those with SEND, including children and adults. Jenny believes that everyone can achieve high-quality music-making and, with patience and fun, learn musical skills. She has led specialist SEND choirs and also leads workshops in SEND schools. Jenny often uses Makaton in her SEND work to make sure everyone has access to music.
Jenny firmly believes that music and singing can bring joy to all situations of life and delivers Singing for Wellbeing workshops for the Hallé. Jenny has led community workshops and choirs, and she knows the power of community singing, releasing endorphins and bringing those who have been isolated in the community a sense of belonging through music.