Music & Memory

Live Guitar. Real Connection. Joyful Moments – Just for Them

I’m Charlie — a professional guitarist and tutor based in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. For over 20 years, I’ve been teaching guitar to people of all ages, stages, and walks of life. And recently, I’ve started offering something a little different.

Alongside my 1:1 guitar lessons, I now offer personalised Music & Memory Sessions — quiet, thoughtful one-hour bookings designed for elderly people, those living with dementia, or anyone who could benefit from the emotional power of live music.

These sessions are gentle, calm, and focused entirely on the individual. Think familiar songs that stir old memories, soft acoustic playing, a singalong or two, and good, warm-hearted conversation.

Whether it’s someone recovering from a stroke, an older relative who used to love 60s rock, or a family member in the early stages of dementia, these sessions offer something genuinely special: connection, companionship, and music that means something.

Why Music for Dementia & Elderly Care?

• Music is one of the last things the brain forgets — even in dementia.

• Familiar melodies can spark recognition, speech, movement, laughter – even in those who struggle to communicate.

• It’s not just about nostalgia — it’s about dignity, joy, and human connection.

I’ve played for elderly people who hadn’t spoken in days, only to hear them singing lyrics from songs they grew up with. It’s humbling, and it’s powerful.

One-to-one memory-based guitar session to support dementia, stroke or anxiety recovery through music

Who is this for?

These 1:1 sessions are ideal for:

• People living with dementia or Alzheimer’s

• Those experiencing loneliness in later life

• People recovering from strokes, living with Parkinson’s, or managing anxiety or depression

• Elderly people who simply miss hearing the music they love

You don’t need to be a musician — you just need to love music.

Private music hour with Charlie Hodgson for seniors and neurodiverse adults in Kings Langley, UK

What to expect:

• A one-hour session of live guitar music played by myself, friendly and compassionate conversation, sing-alongs together and familiar songs in my cosy home

• Optional pre-session consult call with the family to build a personalised playlist of the songs they love

• A warm, friendly space — either in-person (Hertfordshire) or online via Zoom

• No pressure, no performance — just music, memory and comfort

If needed, I’m happy to move everything to a ground-floor space for wheelchair users or those with mobility needs — I’ve done this before and always aim to make the space as accessible and welcoming as possible.

These aren’t clinical sessions — I’m not a certified music therapist — but they are therapeutic in spirit. I bring my guitar, my voice, and a genuine love for conversation, memory and music.

Examples of past sessions:

• Playing a full 60s and Beatles singalong set for an elderly gentleman with advanced dementia

• Crafting a relaxing acoustic session for a woman recovering from a stroke

• Creating a special moment for a wheelchair-bound music lover — by adapting my home set-up to make it fully accessible

• Singing calming folk favourites with a neurodiverse teenager experiencing burnout and anxiety

Each session is totally unique. I always listen first — to the person, their family, and their story.

Book a Session

Sessions are £45 for an hour, with a free 15-minute consultation beforehand (by phone or Zoom) to make sure everything feels right.

This could be:

• A thoughtful birthday or Christmas gift for an elderly loved one

• A meaningful moment of calm for someone in a care home or supported living

• A weekly highlight for someone feeling isolated or low

Enquire here

Live Guitarist for Hire in Hertfordshire, London, Buckinghamshire, South East England and beyond

Looking to hire live music near you? Charlie is a professional function guitarist based in Kings Langley, available for weddings, private events and parties across Hertfordshire, London and the UK. Whether you’re after laid-back acoustic guitar for a drinks reception or a standout set for your evening do, Charlie offers tailored acoustic guitar hire with his own equipment provided.

Perfect for couples searching for a wedding guitarist in Kings Langley or London, or anyone looking to book a musician for their event, Charlie brings years of experience, a relaxed approach and a crowd-pleasing sound. Get in touch to hire a guitarist for your next event and make your moment unforgettable.