About Giving Voice

What Is a Giving Voice Network Choir?

A Giving Voice Network Choir is a community choir created specifically for people living with dementia and their care partners. These choirs exist around the world and are rooted in the same core values and practices.

• They are created for and shaped by people living with dementia and their care partners.
• They are thoughtfully designed to be supportive and empowering for people living with dementia.
• They put joy at the heart of every rehearsal and performance.
• They build toward meaningful performances, where singers can share their gift of music with the community.
• They empower participants through spaces that are both dementia-friendly and joyfully challenging.
• They are passionate about shifting the story of dementia from loss and decline to hope, creativity, and connection.

And most importantly—you don’t need to be a “singer” to belong. The community and joy come first; the music is simply the activity we do together.

When and Where Do Giving Voice Network Rehearsals Take Place?

Every choir is unique, but typically choirs meet every week or every other week for 1 – 2 hours with a social time built in. 

Choirs are held in a wide array of accessible community spaces like community centers, faith-based organizations, senior centers, arts organizations, libraries, and more.

Who Comes to a Giving Voice Network Choir?

Giving Voice Network Choirs are designed for people living with dementia and their loved ones! A loved one could be a spouse, a child, a friend, or a neighbor. Whether you’re living with dementia or affected by dementia, these choirs were built for you. 

Giving Voice Network Choirs are thoughtfully designed to support people living with dementia through every aspect of the rehearsal experience—from the environment and materials to the way the music is arranged and the director leads. Every detail is intentional, creating a space where singers feel both supported and empowered.

When you come to rehearsal each week, you’re invited to leave your diagnosis at the door and simply enjoy the joy of singing, connection, and belonging.

What Happens at a Giving Voice Network Choir Rehearsal?

Every choir is unique, and no two rehearsals are exactly alike—but most follow a similar rhythm. Once rehearsal begins, the director will lead the group through gentle warm-ups for the body, voice, and mind—often with a laugh or a lighthearted moment, because the choir quickly begins to feel like family.

Then it’s time to sing. Together, the choir will rehearse anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half (depending on the choir) using music, materials, and teaching approaches thoughtfully designed to support people living with dementia. Short movement or activity breaks are sprinkled throughout, offering time to rest and re-energize.

To close, everyone joins in one last song before gathering for a relaxed social time—sometimes with snacks, always with smiles.

Find a Choir Near You!

Click this link to find a choir near you!

Start a Choir Near You

If you’re passionate about getting involved but don’t see a choir near you, consider being a part of starting one! Download the free Giving Voice Toolkit (a comprehensive guide to starting a dementia community choir) or email: info@givingvoicechorus.org to learn more! Even if you’re not looking to lead the whole effort, reach out — we can help you find other ways to be involved in bringing a dementia choir to your community.