Sounding Out - Percussion Play

Sounding Out | Outdoor Music Research for Senior Living, Dementia and Memory Care

The Sounding Out project is an evidence-led research initiative exploring the impact of outdoor musical instruments in senior living, dementia care, and specialist memory care environments.

Conducted in partnership with Dr. Stuart Wood and the University of Bath, the 2025 pilot study resulted in an independent, peer-reviewed research paper that provides credible academic validation of how outdoor music can improve wellbeing, social connection, and engagement in care settings. The research attracted national media attention, including coverage from BBC News, highlighting the growing importance of inclusive, meaningful activities for older adults and people living with dementia and memory loss.

Building on this success, the project is now expanding internationally to strengthen its impact and relevance across global care environments.

The instruments promoted engagement, interaction, expression, and curiosity to go outside. This showed impact among residents, families and staff.

The Next Phase: International Research 2026

The next phase of the Sounding Out program will expand through 2026 with an international study designed to build on early findings and deepen understanding of outdoor musical play across different communities. The research will focus on three key themes 1) Motivation to go outdoors, 2) Enhancing mood and emotional connection, and 3) Encouraging intergenerational activities. A carefully selected group of instruments - The Duo, The Harmony, and the Rainbow Chimes - will support the study, offering inclusive and engaging ways for people of all ages to connect through music in shared outdoor spaces.

Click to Register For The Full Report

"Tunes in June"

As part of this next phase, the "Tunes in June" campaign brings together partners across multiple countries to explore how outdoor music can support

wellbeing in care environments on a global scale.

United Kingdom | Building on the original pilot study and established care home partnership.

United States | A partner care home has independently reviewed and audited the research and is now formally part of the program.

Denmark | A leading care group has installed instruments and is actively participating alongside UK and US partners.

By extending the research across the UK, USA, and Denmark, Sounding Out is strengthening its evidence base and demonstrating the wider relevance of outdoor musical engagement in senior living, dementia, and memory care settings worldwide.

Instruments Selected For "Tunes in June"

Duo Outdoor Xylophone

Duo (C Major Pentatonic, C4–C6) was selected for the study for its inclusive, user-centred design and ability to support comfortable social engagement in memory care settings. Tuned to a pentatonic scale, it enables harmonious, pressure-free play, encouraging spontaneous interaction and shared musical exploration. Its offset, wave-shaped design was a key factor in selection, helping to reduce direct eye contact and create a low-pressure environment that can feel more comfortable for many users. The accessible, double-sided layout supports multi-user play, while the clear note arrangement encourages exploration, coordination, and cognitive engagement. Together, these features promote connection, confidence, and meaningful participation in a relaxed, supportive outdoor setting.

Harmony

Harmony (C Major Pentatonic) was selected for the study for its calming tonal quality and supportive play experience in memory care settings. As a vertically mounted outdoor metallophone tuned to a soothing pentatonic scale, it produces soft, melodic tones that encourage relaxation and emotional comfort, while allowing users to explore freely without the risk of dissonance. Its upright design was a key factor in selection, encouraging gentle, natural movement and comfortable reach for a wide range of users. The clear, ascending note arrangement also supports cognitive engagement through pattern recognition and anticipation of sound. Playing Harmony combines sensory input - sound, touch, and movement - helping to stimulate attention, coordination, and memory recall. Its accessible, shared format further promotes social interaction and collective musical exploration in a calm, low-pressure environment.

Rainbow Trio Chimes

Rainbow Trio Chimes (Pentatonic) were selected for the study for their gentle tonal quality and ability to support accessible engagement in memory care settings. Tuned to a pentatonic scale, they enable harmonious, pressure-free improvisation, encouraging spontaneous exploration and non-verbal expression. The soft chime tones contribute to a calming environment, while play supports motor skills and cross-midline movement. Bright, high-contrast colours were a key factor in selection - helping attract attention and support recognition. They also provide intuitive guidance, allowing users to associate colours with where to strike, reducing hesitation and supporting independent play. In addition, the vibrant palette can enhance mood and create a more welcoming, engaging space for shared interaction.

Senior Living & Memory Care Case Studies

Explore our growing collection of Senior Living case studies to see how outdoor musical instruments are enriching environments across retirement communities, assisted living, and memory care settings. From enhancing wellbeing and encouraging gentle activity to creating opportunities for connection and reminiscence, these real-world projects demonstrate the powerful role music can play in supporting residents, families and care teams alike.

Explore Senior Living Case Studies

Catalog Download

Discover our mini Senior Living catalog, a curated resource combining inspiring case studies, practical insights and tailored product recommendations for care environments. Designed to support operators, designers, and care providers, it explores the key benefits of outdoor musical engagement - from improving wellbeing and encouraging gentle activity to supporting memory care and social connection. Alongside real-world examples, you’ll find guidance on selecting the right instruments to create inclusive, uplifting spaces for residents, families and staff alike.

Outdoor Musical Instruments For Senior Living Communities

White Papers

Explore our collection of white papers to gain deeper insight into the benefits of outdoor music-making in care settings. Covering topics such as wellbeing for seniors, music for mood and memory in dementia care, and the power of intergenerational play, these research-led resources bring together evidence, expert perspectives and real-world findings. They offer a valuable foundation for understanding how music can support healthier, more connected communities.

Explore White Papers

Health Across the Lifespan: The Power of Intergenerational Play

Discover how intergenerational play fosters physical, emotional, and social well-being across all ages - building healthier, more connected communities.

Top 5 Outdoor Musical Instruments for Senior Living Communities Focused on Wellness and Connection

Explore outdoor musical instruments for senior living communities, supporting wellbeing, social connection, music therapy, and inclusive engagement.

Exploring the Power of Outdoor Music in Later Life: New UK Pilot Study Launches

Take a closer look at the Hampshire UK pilot study, the thinking behind the project, and why its directors partnered with Percussion Play.

The Power of Intergenerational Outdoor Musical Play

Discover how outdoor musical instruments create joyful, inclusive spaces for all ages. Learn the benefits of intergenerational music-making and how your community can get involved.

FAQs

What is the Sounding Out research project?

The Sounding Out project is an independent, peer-reviewed research initiative exploring how outdoor musical instruments impact wellbeing, engagement, and social connection in senior living, dementia care, and memory care environments. The initial pilot study was conducted in partnership with Dr Stuart Wood and the University of Bath, with further international research now underway.

Where has the Sounding Out research been conducted?

Following the success of the UK pilot study, the Sounding Out project is now expanding internationally. Research and engagement activities are taking place across the UK, the United States, and Denmark, with further insights expected through initiatives such as the Tunes for June campaign.

What were the key findings of the pilot study?

The pilot study identified a range of positive outcomes, including improved emotional wellbeing, increased social interaction, and enhanced engagement for residents. It also highlighted benefits for care staff, who reported feeling more motivated and better able to deliver meaningful activities. In dementia and memory care settings, residents demonstrated clear emotional and sensory responses, even where communication or mobility was limited.

Has the Sounding Out research been independently validated?

Yes. The pilot study resulted in a peer-reviewed research paper led by Dr Stuart Wood in partnership with the University of Bath, providing independent academic validation of the findings. A further research paper, incorporating insights from the ongoing international phase, is scheduled for publication this year and will also undergo independent peer review.

How can care providers or memory care communities get involved?

Care providers and memory care communities can explore the benefits of outdoor music by incorporating musical instruments into their environments, supported by guidance from Percussion Play. You can request the full research paper upon publication or speak to the team to learn how similar approaches could be applied within your setting.

Sounding Out Research Project