Music is part of being human
Oliver Sacks - British neurologist and author, specialising in the role of music in human life
Asta#Plays in the Community
Bringing accessible music making opportunities for all members of the community is something I feel very strongly about, and I can't wait to meet you in whichever sub-community event best suits you. Play around with something a bit new, maybe a bit necessary - that dopamine hit will be entirely worth it. Let's work together to combat loneliness, poor mental health, and dismissal of the arts in many pockets of society. Nurture the community alongside me. 🌱🫶🎵
"Share a Soundventure" with Asta#Plays
Storytelling incorporating musical aspects can be a powerful way for children to develop a passion for music and literacy whilst forging the way for them to become creative, literate, and musical individuals. Not only that, my own research has indicated that including music and movement activities interactively to storytelling can enhance prosocial behaviours such as capacity for sharing.
Drumming Circles
Drumming in groups has deep historical roots, serving as a tool for communication, celebration, and social cohesion in cultures around the world. In modern contexts, group drumming continues to offer powerful communal and psychological benefits. Taking part in community drumming circles can enhance your mood, develop musical skills and awareness, and encourage community cohesion.
Sing#Inn
Pints 'n' pipes. Sip 'n' sing. Drinkin' divas. Less scary than joining a community choir, and certainly less commitment. In pop up sessions in pubs, even the shyest of performers can access these singalong sessions, and you honestly may (probably!) surprise yourself.
Young Children and Families
Music classes for babies and toddlers/young children, along with their carers. Delivered by a fully qualified teacher with more than 20 years experience in working with young children and families. We develop basic musical skills through play, song, movement, and listening. Workshops for encouraging musicality in the home are also available.
Care Homes, Hospitals, Children's Homes
The benefits of music making amongst vulnerable groups such as the elderly, sick, and children are widely documented. Benefits include increasing pain threshold, reducing agitation, improving social connection, and keeping loneliness at bay. Intergenerational projects can be particularly effective. Get in touch if you know of a community which may benefit from music sessions in their schedule.
Children's Parties
Sessions available for 25, 45, or 60 minutes. Book a slot for your child's birthday party (appropriate for 3 - 8 yr olds), which can be tailored to your requirements including specific themes, or simply request a basic age appropriate activity party. (Supervising party adults may be eligible for some time off duty...Ts and Cs apply...!).
Drumming Circles
COMING...Spring 2026
Listen out for the jungle drums for more details!
Children's Parties
Fed up of trying to find something unique yet wholesome whilst entertaining all those little tykes to celebrate that special day? Look no further - send a message to discuss a fun filled, educational, musical activity for the gang to engage with (before the cake!). Typical activities include:
🎵 Playing musical games
🎵 Silly songs
🎵 Exciting props
🎵 Chance to play instruments
"Share a Soundventure" with Asta#Plays
Unlike some musical storytelling programmes, the emphasis in Share a Soundventure is creating music together. There is no recorded music, and the experience is completely interactive, with the audience and storyteller creating the music together. Coming to a library near you soon, or reach out to book a one off session to your specification.
Young Children and Families
By taking part in young children's sessions you will not only get to play and create music with your child, but also have the chance to meet other families at regular times. Music classes for little ones:
🎵 Secure musical foundations
🎵 Develop social skills
🎵 Enhance motor skills and spatial awareness
🎵 Instill a joy and curiosity of music
🎵 Provide valuable bonding time
🎵 Help develop speech and language
Sing#Inn
Turn up, learn a song, have some drinks, perform the song, be ASTOUNDED at what we have been able to produce together in a short 90 minute session, and then carry on with the evening! No experience necessary, only enthusiasm for pubs and music required! If you would like a pop up Sing#Inn at your local tavern, please get in touch.
Care Homes, Hospitals, Children's Homes
Interventions and programmes may include:
🎵 Choirs
🎵 Music games
🎵 Group percussion/drumming
🎵 Songwriting workshops
As well as singing and musical games, the Drumbeatable programme is an effective method way to promote mental wellbeing, reinstate motor skills, and boost mood.
Asta#Plays Inspiration: Oliver Sacks
Oliver Sacks (1933–2015) was a British neurologist, author, and researcher celebrated for his ability to bring humanity and narrative to the study of the brain. He explored the profound connections between music and the mind, most notably in his book Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain (2007), which examines how music affects people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, amnesia, and autism. Through vivid case studies, Sacks revealed music’s power to evoke memory, emotion, and a sense of identity, even in those whose cognitive functions were otherwise impaired. His work highlighted how music can restore communication, foster wellbeing, and strengthen human connection, bridging the gap between neuroscience and lived experience.
For more information and links to his work, visit the Oliver Sacks Foundation website.
