Overview
Intergenerational Music Making breaks down stereotypes, cultivates empathy, respect, and understanding. We support communities to come together, working across generations and sectors to build strong relationships and make connections to support people – especially children, young people, family groups and older people – to thrive and live healthier lives. Our model, grounded in community-led involvement and co-design, ensures that each programme is responsive to local needs.
We are commitment to supporting ideas and activities that matter to people and communities and building strong, inclusive relationships across Greater Manchester. Since 2018, our work has reached over 4,000 individuals across the city, including older adults, young people, volunteers, and families.
​
You can hear from our Manchester ambassadors here.
Early Years and Parent Sessions
We've delivered Family Hubs across Tameside and Cheetham Hill, providing interactive music sessions designed to foster bonding between parents and their young children.
Music and Movement Sessions
In Oldham, where older adults and younger participants engage in physical and creative expression through music.
Sounds of Sustainability
A songwriting initiative that empowers participants to address climate change through social action. This project uses music to highlight sustainability issues and bring generations together in a shared creative process.
Youth Social Action Projects
With the Boys Brigade, uniform groups, and HC-One care homes, where young people partner with care home residents to create meaningful music experiences.
Thank You Day & Community Action Days
At The Yard – Large-scale events where community members of all ages come together to engage in music and celebrate their shared experiences.
Culture and Heritage Projects
At the Jewish Museum in Cheetham Hill, where participants explore local history and heritage through music, creating an understanding of culture across generations.
Singing from the Heart
A project running across Greater Manchester in partnership with GPs and families of those living with heart disease. This initiative supports cardiovascular health through choral singing, using music as both therapy and a tool for social connection.
Intergenerational Music Training
For students atManchester University, Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and local colleges. The training provides students with the tools to create intergenerational music experiences, helping them to understand the social, emotional, and physical benefits of music for all ages.
"In the first week, the children were nervous and apprehensive about joining in. By week two, they were running into the sessions with excitement, forming relationships with the older participants, and their confidence was shining through."
Natalie, Director of Operations at The Boys Brigade
"I'm having the time of my life, while dancing with the children."
​
Resident
Other Manchester Based Projects
​
As part of Bridgewater Hall's community members open day, IMM ran a series of songwriting and music workshops. With expert guidance and hands-on activities, the workshops provided an interactive space for individuals to tap into their inner creativity and understand the power of music as a universal language. Collaborative songwriting sessions, insightful discussions, and interactive exercises enriched the experience, offering valuable insights into the art and craft of songwriting. The Bridgewater's community members open day served as an inclusive platform, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the magic of music.
Community Day at Eccles Library
​
Residents of Pendleton Court enjoyed meeting with different generations so much, we've established a great partnership with them. We brought together the residents and children from St Mary's RC Primary School at Eccles library for a fun morning filled with music games, opportunities to connect and of course a cup of tea and lots of biscuits. The session was a wonderful opportunity to connect the two generations, foster empathy and understanding and improve community cohesion in the region.
​