Still Together in Sound: narratives from online music therapy with people living with dementia and their companions during lockdown.

Described as a ‘lifeline’ by one participant, the role of online music therapy for people living with dementia and their companions is explored in this article. Together in Sound, established in 2017, is a partnership project between the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research at Anglia Ruskin University and Saffron Hall Trust, an arts charity in rural Essex. Delivery of group music therapy moved online rapidly at the end of March 2020 in response to lockdown in the United Kingdom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This move was welcomed by participants but presented challenges for some in terms of accessing or making sense of the sessions through the screen. An ongoing narrative inquiry within a practice-based research project exploring the impact of the groups for participants has established a culture of consultation and collaboration within the project. Participants regularly attend focus group discussions to share their experiences and to help shape future directions of the project. Evaluation of the project shows that it has a role in supporting communication and relationships, providing opportunities for socialisation and self-expression, and increasing awareness of living with dementia in the wider community. This article invites the reader to witness the stories and experiences of those involved in Together in Sound during a time of change and uncertainty. Reflections and narratives were collected from clinical material including video from music therapy sessions, clinical notes, and song lyrics. Further data was generated from a focus group interview and written contributions from co-authors. Searching the data for stories and metaphors helps our understanding of the role of online music therapy in supporting wellbeing and continued connection with others when people are physically isolated. The article also presents songs composed by the groups to illustrate ways in which participants used song-writing to communicate, express and make meaning of their experiences.<p></p>