A musician has established a group aimed at bringing people together through music. David Walton, the founder of the Honicknowle Live Music Group in Plymouth, seeks to use music as a means to address social isolation and loneliness.
The group welcomes adult musicians of all skill levels who want to share their music, whether by performing, collaborating, or simply enjoying the company of others. It particularly aims to reach out to older community members and unemployed musicians, although it has faced challenges with low membership.
Meetings take place weekly on Mondays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the church hall of St Francis of Assisi in Honicknowle, and there is no membership fee.
Mr. Walton expressed his hope that attendees will bring a variety of instruments, representing diverse cultures and musical genres. Singers are also encouraged to join. “My hope is that people show up with an instrument they’ve had for 30 or 40 years, thinking they might like to get back into playing as life has become a bit quiet,” he said.
He emphasized that he does not want to dictate the type of music played or the structure of the sessions. “I want those who attend to take ownership of how they use that time and space for their own benefit,” he explained.
Walton inherited his passion for music from his father and began playing guitar in school before performing at folk clubs in Plymouth during the 1990s. “I especially want to attract people who used to play an instrument or sing but no longer do,” he noted. “It isn’t about the quality; it’s about being together. Togetherness overcomes loneliness.”
Sonali Banerjee, general manager for Music for All, shared that the group has applied for a grant from its financial hardship fund. “It’s really important to support older adults and vulnerable individuals, as they can experience social isolation just as much as younger people.”
Mr. Walton encouraged anyone interested to “pop along and see us; we’d love to offer you a cup of tea at the very least.” He added, “If I can inspire someone to pick up an instrument they had almost forgotten about, I’ll do everything I can to remind them how much they once loved it.”
Related Topics
- Musical Instruments Embrace Sustainability
- Graham Nash Reveals Neil Young’s Influence on Stephen Stills’ Guitar Skills in CSNY
- Bansuri Maestro Mujtaba Hussain Preserves Indian Classical Music Tradition
