….Resonance: Peer-to-Peer Music Collective
Creating, recording, and performing music together
Over 16 weeks, we worked with a group of people with experience of mental health challenges who came together to create, rehearse, and perform music as part of the Resonance: Peer-to-Peer Music Collective.
About the Project
In partnership with Ty Canna Outreach Services & funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and led bymusician and experienced music tutor Jack Egglestone, the project combined guided workshops, studio time, and live performance opportunities. Participants worked collaboratively to:
Learn and rehearse material
Write and arrange new songs
Record their music in a professional studio setting
Alongside the group sessions, the project also offered one-to-one support giving one of the participants the space to write and record music that reflected their personal journey and experiences.
Ownership and Collaboration
The aim of the project was to bring together people to create a self-sustaining performance group that would continue after the life of the project. Everyone who joined committed to supporting one another—sharing skills, leading sections of rehearsals, and taking ownership of the group’s creative direction.
The Outcome
The project culminated in a recording day at Musicbox Studios in Cardiff and their first live performance at Ty Canna, where participants showcased the material they had created together.
Feedback and reflection were gathered throughout—at the start, midpoint, and end of the project—to ensure the group’s development and to explore the potential for a sustainable, ongoing music collective.
Resonance celebrates creativity, collaboration, and lived experience — proving the power of music to connect, support, and inspire.
The Broader Project
Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, along with the Resonance project, we were able to achieve a far greater impact and reach with additional workshops and training.
Weekly Music Workshops
Through a long-standing relationship with Cardiff Council’s Mental Health Outreach programme Ty Canna, we were able to deliver weekly music making session for people with little or no previous music making experience along with more accomplished instrument players and singers. For many, the music workshops have become a highlight of the week – a place to unwind, feel uplifted, and share in something creative together. What begins as an opportunity to sing or play often grows into much more: a chance to connect with others, make new friends, and feel part of a supportive community. People describe how the sessions bring a sense of calm and ease, helping them let go of stress and focus on the enjoyment of the moment. Over time, confidence builds, and participants feel valued not just for their music but for the role they play in the group. The workshops have also sparked fond memories through familiar songs, while opening doors to new experiences and friendships. With the gentle guidance of the tutors and the encouragement of fellow members, the sessions continue to offer purpose, joy, and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together.
Community Music in Mental Health Settings
As part of the The Resonace project, we ran our established Community Music in Mental Health Settings training course for community musicians looking to develop their practice in mental health contexts. The group included workshop leaders as well as musicians with lived or professional experience of mental health.
With the guidance of Trainer, Sarah Harman, we explored how to create and adapt music-making activities, build confidence in supporting vulnerable people, and understand the boundaries of the community musician’s role.
The course also focused on group leadership and facilitation, encouraging participation, planning with flexibility, and communicating with partner organisations. Reflection and feedback were woven throughout, giving musicians a chance to strengthen their skills and consider their next steps.
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