Bill Gibb tunes into a magical moment that helped charity Music for Dementia
Bill Gibb tunes in to a magical moment when just four musical notes made such a difference.
THOUSANDS of people living with dementia across the UK are being helped thanks to a donation by a billionaire touched by what he heard.
Sir Tom Hunter gave half a million pounds to charity Music For Dementia after seeing on “BBC Breakfast” the story of Paul Harvey, who created a remarkable composition from just four musical notes.
Paul, from East Sussex, was encouraged to come up with the moving piece by his son Nick, proving how much music can help those whose lives have been affected.
Although Nick had been concerned for some time, he only realised there was a real problem with Paul’s memory three years ago, when his dad showed up at six a.m. for a lunch date.
He was diagnosed with dementia soon afterwards.
Although the condition worsened, when former concert pianist and music teacher Paul, now eighty, heard and played music, there was a real change.
“Music has been such a tonic, especially when he sits down at the piano,” Nick says.
“When he hears music he recognises, it’s like a light has been switched on.
“It brings him back to the room.
“I filmed a few of the incredible things he played, and one day I remembered this old party trick of his I first saw him do at a jazz summer school with John Dankworth and Cleo Laine.
“He got people to shout out four musical notes, and got a standing ovation after coming up with a piece just from them.
“That came back to me, and I gave him four notes, F, A, D and B, and filmed what he did, which was quite incredible.”
Nick’s video went viral, being viewed millions of times all over the world, and led to Paul enchanting BBC viewers.
“Four Notes” went on to become a chart topper, raising vital funds, after it was recorded by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
The donation by Sir Tom, who also gave half a million pounds to the Alzheimer Society, was a game changer.
Some 30 projects across the UK received grants from the Paul and Nick Harvey Fund this year, including community singing groups, choirs, and those offering music therapy and one-to-one music sessions.
Grace Meadows, Campaign Director for the charity, insists the transformational impact of music can’t be overstated.
“We want to make sure everyone has access to music as part of their dementia care,” Grace says.
“We are musical beings from before we are born right to our final moments.
“Music is processed right across the brain, so regardless of the type of dementia, it finds a route through.
“When people hear music that has a meaning for them, it triggers the feelings they remember from that first dance, or whatever.
“It helps them be in the present. The recall of the memories is what then makes you get those sparky moments when the eyes light up.”
The attention generated by Paul and Nick’s efforts led to more than just the grants to local groups.
“We have had meetings with MPS who have pledged to make it part of dementia care strategies,” Grace adds. “The legacy of this will live on for years.”
Nick is both delighted and amazed by what has come out of a simple family video.
“My dad has been absolutely thrilled by everything and I’m so proud of him,” Nick adds. “He hasn’t had an audience for twenty years and he’s loved having an audience again.
“Millions of people now know Dad and know his music.” ■