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Holly Marland
Name:
Holly Marland
Job Title:
Musician
Place of work / study:
Freelance across the North West
Area of Research:
I work co-creatively with people living with dementia and their ensemble of care. We write new music which is performed at large scale public events which we develop together. I work freelance for a number of organisations including Create, Lime, Music in Hospitals and Care, BBC. I also run my own Arts Council England funded project called So Many Beauties which involves over 18 stakeholder organisations and is currently working on a day long dementia friendly music festival at the Bridgewater Hall Manchster on Friday 20 Sep 2024. I am a qualified music therapist but would identify my role in health and social care as a musician.
How is your research funded:
Freelance work and Arts Council England funding.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I play the Kora which is a West African harp and I travel to the Gambia for lessons with my teacher – Muhammed Saho.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I collect hats.
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
My Nanna had dementia and I could see how music gave her a sense of orientation through singing familiar songs. I love working with people living with a dementia diagnosis and am always amazed at the creativity, wit and wisdom they share with me.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Keep going, it will all be worth it!
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Thich Nhat Hahn Peace is every step. Definitely a handy book to have with you for moments of mindfulness in this hectic world.
