Scientific research over the last decades has confirmed that music-making is fundamental to the cognitive, mental, emotional, physical and social health of individuals and communities.

Music is known to increase the ‘happy’ hormones; to slow down the process of ageing; help people feel connected to each other and to a wider community; enhance a positive sense of well-being; engender a sense of self-worth and security; enhance a positive state of mind; exercise manual skills; develop vocal and expressive skills; reinforce cultural identity; promote diversity’, etc.

We plan to hold weekly 90-minute music-making sessions for community members. We will study new song lyrics, learn to sing songs, learn associated dances, accompany singing with percussion and drumming, accompany singing with instrument playing and enjoy socialising time with refreshments at the end

Meraki's repertoire will include Greek songs (byzantine, dimotika, nisiotika, smyrneika, rebetika, laika, entekhna); multicultural music (African, Spanish, Hindu, etc.); western classical (Mozart, etc.); and western popular (blues, jazz, pop, etc.)

Our sessions will be held at Holdfast Bay Community Centre (with the funding covering hire for the rest of the year).