The Benefits of Intergenerational Music Classes in Dorset: Why Bringing Babies and Older Adults Together Matters
If you’ve ever watched a baby smile back at an older person, you’ll know there’s something truly special about that connection.
At Arpeggio Music, we’re passionate about creating meaningful experiences through music for people of all ages. Alongside our baby and toddler music classes across Christchurch, Highcliffe and the surrounding Dorset area, we’re proud to offer intergenerational music classes, bringing local families together with residents living in care homes.
These sessions are filled with singing, movement, percussion instruments, bubbles, scarves and plenty of smiles—but they’re also backed by growing research showing that music can improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness and help people living with dementia reconnect with treasured memories.
What Are Intergenerational Music Classes?
Intergenerational music classes bring together young children, their parents or carers, and older adults—often those living in residential or nursing care. Rather than simply performing to residents, families and residents actively make music together.
Everyone joins in by singing familiar nursery rhymes, playing percussion instruments, moving to music, sharing smiles, eye contact and conversation & enjoying sensory activities such as scarves and bubbles.
The result is a joyful, inclusive environment where every generation has something valuable to contribute.
Why Music Is So Powerful for People Living with Dementia?
Although dementia can affect memory, language and communication, musical memories are often preserved long into the condition.
Many people who struggle to recognise names or recent events can still sing every word of songs they learned as children.
Research shows that music can:
● Improve mood and emotional wellbeing
● Reduce anxiety and agitation
● Encourage communication
● Stimulate long-term memories
● Increase social interaction
● Support movement and physical engagement through rhythm and dance
The charity Music for Dementia encourages music to become a routine part of dementia care because of its ability to support wellbeing and connection. Likewise, research into music-based interventions in UK care homes highlights how shared music can strengthen social bonds and improve quality of life, even where communication is limited. (journal.ilpnetwork.org)
Why Nursery Rhymes Can Unlock Memories
One of the most beautiful aspects of our sessions is watching familiar nursery rhymes spark recognition. Songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, The Grand Old Duke of York, Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Wind the Bobbin Up have often been sung across several generations. Many residents remember singing these songs to their own children and grandchildren decades earlier. As they sing alongside today’s babies and toddlers, those memories often resurface naturally.
Meanwhile, the babies are developing speech, listening skills, rhythm, coordination and early language through exactly the same songs. The same nursery rhyme can support two completely different stages of life at the same time.
The Benefits for Babies and Toddlers
Children gain so much more than a fun music session.
Intergenerational classes help children to:
● Build confidence around older adults
● Develop empathy and kindness
● Improve social skills
● Experience different generations within their community
● Learn through music, movement and imaginative play
Research into intergenerational music projects has also found that regular shared musical experiences help young people develop more positive attitudes towards ageing while strengthening community connections. (Bangor University)
The Benefits for Care Home Residents
For residents, especially those living with dementia, these sessions can provide:
● Increased social interaction
● Reduced feelings of loneliness
● Opportunities to reminisce
● Gentle physical activity
● Improved mood
● A sense of purpose through interacting with children
● Something meaningful to look forward to
Why Parents Love Intergenerational Classes
Parents often tell us they love seeing their children interact naturally with older people. Many families no longer live close to grandparents, and some children have very little regular contact with older generations.
Our classes provide a warm, welcoming environment where children learn that older people remain valued members of our community. These shared experiences create memories for everyone involved.
Why I Started Arpeggio’s Intergenerational Classes
After spending over 15 years teaching music and performing arts, I’ve seen first-hand how music builds confidence, supports development and creates lasting connections. When I founded Arpeggio, I wanted to create more than just baby music classes.
I wanted music to bring communities together.
Watching a resident’s face light up when a familiar nursery rhyme begins, hearing parents chatting with residents after class, and seeing babies happily hand a tambourine to someone old enough to be their great-grandparent reminds me why these sessions matter so much.
Those moments cannot be measured—they’re simply felt.
Looking for an Intergenerational Music Class in Dorset?
Arpeggio proudly runs welcoming intergenerational music classes for babies, toddlers and care home residents in the Christchurch, Highcliffe and wider Dorset area.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a unique class with your little one, or you’re a care home interested in bringing meaningful musical experiences to your residents, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can create moments of joy that span generations.
Join Us
Families: Book your free trial and discover the magic of making music together across generations.
Care Homes: If you’re based in Christchurch, Highcliffe, Bournemouth, New Milton or the surrounding area and would like to offer regular intergenerational music sessions for your residents, please get in touch to discuss how Arpeggio can work with your home.
Music has a unique ability to cross generations, create conversations where words sometimes fail and remind us that we all belong.
At Arpeggio, we believe music really is for everyone
References
● World Health Organization (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?
● Music for Dementia. Music and dementia resources. (journal.ilpnetwork.org)
● Alzheimer’s Society. Music and dementia.
● Schneider, J. et al. (2024). Music in Care Home Settings: Guidelines for Implementation and Evaluation Based on the MIDDEL Study. (journal.ilpnetwork.org)
● University of Plymouth. Rebuilding Bridges: Evaluation of an intergenerational music intervention in care homes. (University of Plymouth)