Motivational Music

Tailored to each group, my motivational music sessions get everyone singing and making music. They involve people, instruments, props, the voice and light movement, all designed to leave everyone feeling much more energised and uplifted than when they started.

Music has always been my passion and I love nothing better than to sing with all my heart rousing songs like “Que Sera Sera” and ”She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain” with a room full of people.

In the 1980′s and 90′s much of my spare time was devoted to performing in amateur dramatic productions in Harrogate in roles such as Eliza (My Fair Lady); Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly); Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors); Milly (Seven Brides For Seven Brothers) and Anita (West Side Story).

However, as work commitments made it more difficult for me to attend regular rehearsals, I began performing concerts in Nursing & Residential Homes with my late friend and wonderful guitarist Richard Sykes.

Over the next years, we performed together in many concerts in aid of charity and even cut our own CD’s in a local recording studio.

Then, in 1997, whilst attending a Buddhist Meditation weekend, I met my husband Andy and together we began travelling all over the world to places I never imagined I would see. In 2001, I sold my flat in Harrogate and moved to Pocklington in the East Riding of Yorkshire until 2004 when Andy and I moved close to Stamford Bridge, York and made our commitment to each other official in a simple but moving ceremony.

As well as singing professionally at weddings, funerals and other special occasions my main passion is working with the elderly. I personally enjoy singing 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s music as well as music hall, war time and show music and have an extensive repertoire of songs which is well received by my audiences.

Using the skills I’ve also gained through drama, musical theatre and physical education, I’ve had much success bringing singing and motivational music to the elderly in a way which is fun, interactive and inspiring for all involved.

In 2013, I formed the Guinness World Record’s ‘Oldest Choir in the World’ which had an average age of 91 years and was very proud to be their Choir Mistress for several years.

The main objective of my business ” Motivational Music” is to encourage more and more elderly people to sing, move, make music and basically have lots of fun. We experience so many mental and physical benefits when we sing, I think it’s really important to encourage everyone, irrespective of age, to engage in the pastime.

My entertainment is always tailored to the specific needs of my audience. When I make a booking I try to understand my audience’s specific requirements. I also have lots of experience of bringing entertainment to those living with dementia and love seeing them joining in, singing, dancing and having a great time at my sessions.

I can provide sing-along sessions with or without songbooks full of songs that audiences will remember and love or motivational music sessions which include light instruments, some gentle movement and lots of fun and laughter or a combination of both. I also provide entertainment for special Birthday parties or themed musical events for example a Music Hall or a Cowboys and Indians afternoon complete with hats or for those more regular bookings I also have lots of experience of working with elderly audiences to form a choir!!

I also have experience in providing activities for elderly people and was awarded Best Activity Coordinator Award at the RBS Yorkshire and Humberside Care Awards 2013.

In 2017, I also started my fortnightly Music for the Mind sessions, specifically designed for those living with dementia and their carers in the Stamford Bridge, York area.

For more information or to book a session please contact me by email at sruthstrangeway@btinternet.com or phone me on 07810 807518