Independent evaluation conducted by the Creativity Team Excerpts from the Executive Summary of the second evaluation undertaken in the past eight years to assess the value and effect of Lost Chord: The review has highlighted the way Lost Chord enhances services provided by its health and social care partners. All the respondents rated the Lost Chord service as either ‘Good’ or above and 63% of people interview rated it as ‘Excellent’. A real benefit was cited as the provision of a fully packaged professional service delivered by quality musicians – a recognised ‘brand’ which people trust. Many expressed the desire for more concerts, and all said that Lost Chord supported their work to improve the quality of care provided by the staff. The music encouraged staff to talk to participants afterwards and keep stimulating them with discussions about their favourite songs, etc. Response to the music was viewed as important and the new ways this brings about communication between residents and care home staff. Support from volunteers was viewed as an asset by care homes, particularly their warmth at being able to relate to residents on an individual basis. During the course of interviews, a range of anecdotal evidence continually strengthened the view that live music has definite benefits for people with dementia and improves their health and well being. Definite changes in residents behaviour – and sometimes unexpected responses – were witnessed, not just psychological and emotional, but also physiological changes. The report also outlines the benefits to Musicians and the team of volunteers. Musicians were very clear on the benefits for them, particularly the opportunity to work on an intergenerational project, share the talent they have, become more educated about dementia and develop new facilities skills in this area. Many musicians commented that working with Lost Chord enable them to ‘give something back’ and helped them appreciate the value of what they do for others when they perform. Others noted that the work helped their confidence and communication skills develop significantly. The opportunity to work on a regular basis in a mutually beneficial partnership together with the experience of touring and performing was seen as invaluable – as was the provision of training workshops for new musicians on the programme. The volunteers themselves stated that they find the work extremely rewarding, and the service itself “inspirational”. The Lost Chord training sessions for care home staff were seen by respondents as a good way of explaining the work and encouraging staff to actively engage. Volunteers enable care home staff to witness the impact on residents’ behaviour. There was a strong view that Lost Chord should continue the good work it does to employ professional, quality musicians and maintain the high standards it has set. Ensuring artistic standards and providing support to all musicians are ongoing issues.

Lost Chord is and has been since its inception subject to regular and ongoing evaluation which in the main part takes the form of reports received from the musicians on tour performing in the concerts, the carers on behalf of the residents who are present in the concert and Lost Chord volunteers attending the concert. Musicians are asked to report on: • the general hospitality of the homes and its staff • the effectiveness of their programme selection, the manner in which the residents became involved • how the carers present assisted the residents in their attempts to join in with the concert • how the volunteers present attempted to stimulate responses from the residents and dementia Cares are asked to report on: • how effective / suitable the of theraputic music was • the responses, particularly those from individuals who normally show no response at all • the sustainability of these responses from one concert to the next • the general effect on the well being of the residents Volunteers are asked to report on: • the approach and attitude of both musicians and carers • the overall effectiveness of the music selected by the musicians • any notable responses which could be attributed to the music • the manner and extent to which carers became involved • any problems arising from the layout of the concert area All the above reports are checked each week in order to facilitate any appropriate action by the following month’s concert. They are also used in planning the format of future concerts and to improve the effectiveness of the musical intervention. They are kept as a permanent record of the effectiveness of the Lost Chord scheme and are an essential tool when applying for funding. Sample of a report form which was completed by Listerdale:   'We have complex EMI client group and musical performances are sometimes the only way of reaching some clients.  There was lots of laughter and dancing and general merriment within the room which is so precious!  I saw ladies and gentlemen clapping and tapping their feet and singing to songs.  I saw a lady who wanders aimlessly all day long sit and listen to the ladies perform using their beautiful instruments.   The musician’s attitude and approach was spot on to get the maximum effect from clients with mental illness.'   Sample of a report form which was completed by musicians, Oli Wilson Dickson & Luke Carver Goss (fiddle & accordion):   'A very lively audience who really got stuck into the concert and enjoyed a wide range of music, particularly the bluegrass numbers.  The Manager of the centre told us that Marjorie had not been walking since she came, but had danced with Janet (the Volunteer).  She was amazed.'