The Musicians Benevolent Fund and Live Music Now are working together to enhance the lives of musicians – both young and old – with their innovative Adopt-a-Musician scheme.  This scheme will celebrate St. Cecilia (Patron Saint of Music) and respond to Older People's Day.

We know that listening to live music has a proven impact on health and wellbeing.  For older people, live music provides stimulation and opportunities for social interaction and physical movement.  Music triggers memories, even for those with dementia. 

So imagine what it must be like if you are an elderly musician, for whom music and performance has been a driving force, now finding yourself cut off from the  joy and inspiration of live music because you are in residential care or unable to leave your home. 

At the other end of the scale, many young musicians starting out on a career want to share their music as widely as possible, and to develop their performing skills in as many environments as they can. 

Adopt-a-Musician will bring these groups together to change lives.

It will cost just £400 to send outstanding musicians, specially selected and trained by the specialist charity Live Music Now, to perform in a day centre, residential home, hospice or other setting for older people.  These venues will be chosen by the Musicians Benevolent Fund and audiences will always include an elderly musician.  Your donation, whether large or small, will help to bring health and happiness to older people and musicians, and support the development of young professional musicians.

Activities around Older People's Day on 1st October 2009 will highlight the need for live music in residential care homes around the UK, and we'll be having a special day when your Adopt-a-Musician donations will support musicians, both young and old, alongside the Musicians Benevolent Fund celebration of St Cecilia's Day on 18th November 2009.

The concert was the topic of conversation for several days.  An excellent experience and a pleasure to see the patients so captivated.  Dowe House Nursing Home

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Adopt-a-Musician and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for Adopt-a-Musician.

So please dig deep and donate now.