Community Adult Learning Programme
Making music. Building confidence. Connecting communities.
SoCo’s Adult Programmes bring people together through music, creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where adults of all ages and abilities can express themselves, develop skills, build friendships and improve their wellbeing.
We work with communities across Southampton and the wider region, supporting people experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation, addiction recovery, learning disabilities, dementia and other barriers to participation.
From singing and songwriting to playing instruments, recording music and exploring new sounds, our sessions are designed to be creative, enjoyable and accessible to everyone, regardless of musical experience.
We believe that making music together can be transformative. It’s about much more than learning an instrument or singing a song. It’s about connection, confidence, belonging and discovering what we’re capable of.
Music for the Mind
Offering adults experiencing mental health challenges a warm, supportive, and creative space to explore and make music together.
Whether you want to learn something new, build confidence, or meet like-minded people in a relaxed environment, our sessions provide a welcoming community setting to enjoy the creative and uplifting benefits of music.
Beginner Songwriting
Day & Time: Mondays (during term time), 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Venue: Planet Sounds, Unit 40 Terminus Terrace, Southampton SO14 3FE
Open Sessions: Instrumental Skills & Band Performance
Day & Time: Tuesdays (during term time), 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Planet Sounds, Unit 40 Terminus Terrace, Southampton SO14 3FE
Recovery Programme
Operating in partnership with key support services—including CGL (Change Grow Live), the Society of St James (SSJ), and No Limits—SoCo Music Project’s Recovery Programme provides a consistent, creative, and trauma-informed space for adults recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
For individuals navigating unpredictable recovery journeys or mental health challenges, our weekly sessions offer a safe, stable anchor to explore music, re-establish routine, and connect with a supportive creative community.
Beginner Music-Making
Day & Time: Fridays (during term time), 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Venue: The Pavilion, Hoglands Park, Southampton SO14 1NH
Songwriting
Day & Time: Tuesdays (during term time), 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Venue: The Pavilion, Hoglands Park, Southampton SO14 1NH
Jamming Sessions
Day & Time: Fridays (during term time), 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Venue: The Pavilion, Hoglands Park, Southampton SO14 1NH
Working in close partnership with local day service providers - including Way Ahead Day Services, Southampton Day Services, R Community, and MENCAP - Make Some Noise is SoCo's creative music-making programme designed specifically for adults with learning and/or physical disabilities. Our structured, interactive learning activities transcend verbal and physical barriers, providing a fluid, non-judgmental environment focused on sensory exploration, fun, and creative self-expression where there is "no right or wrong".
Across the programme, participants engage in a rich mix of hands-on musical exploration, multi-sensory activities, and digital creativity tailored to suit all abilities. Live jamming sessions feature tactile exploration with real instruments - including open-tuned guitars, ukuleles, xylophones, and sensory percussion - where practitioners respond directly to each participant's movements, vocalisations, and choices. These acoustic jams seamlessly blend with accessible iPad technology pre-set to harmonious keys; using intuitive apps that allow participants to easily build digital beats, act as the session DJ, or create touchscreen melodies regardless of physical or cognitive barriers.
The programme also incorporates multi-sensory movement, vocal improvisation, spontaneous lyric writing, and interactive theatre activities drawing on playful, non-verbal methodologies. Sessions follow a welcoming, structured rhythm - beginning with personalised "hello songs" and collaborative jams, progressing into beat-making or vocal recording, and ending with soothing wind-down exercises using soft chimes and acoustic guitars to ensure a comfortable sensory balance. Participants can also record their original tracks, create visual music videos, or share their achievements with family and friends in relaxed, low-pressure showcase environments.
Make Some Noise
Music Active
Delivered in partnership with care providers and support networks - such as SCiA, The Whitehouse and local day/residential settings - Music Active is a fun, social, and interactive 12-week music-making programme designed specifically for older adults living with dementia.
Our structured yet flexible sessions prioritise wellbeing, human connection, and accessibility. Through a multi-sensory blend of group singing, movement, rhythm exercises, mindfulness, and storytelling, Music Active provides a safe, welcoming space to communicate ideas, feelings, and memories while reducing social isolation and building strong relationships.
Across the programme, participants engage in a rich mix of activities tailored to suit all abilities. Singing remains at the heart of every session, combining cherished songs remembered from across the decades with new material and participant song requests. We use these shared musical memories to spark conversation, reminiscence, and spontaneous lyric writing, creating personal audio archives that tell unique life stories.
Sessions follow a reassuring, familiar rhythm that accommodates changing energy levels - starting with gentle warm-ups, progressing into collaborative singing or acoustic/digital instrument playing, and balancing active engagement with quiet moments for reflection, conversation, and tea. Carers are warmly encouraged to join in, fostering a vibrant, joyful community where everyone feels included, valued, and enlivened.
The Benefits of Joining
Support Memory & Reminiscence: Access cherished memories through familiar songs, storytelling, and personal archive creation.
Boost Mood & Cognitive Function: Provide gentle mental stimulation, encourage physical movement, and regulate energy levels.
Combat Isolation & Build Connections: Develop natural friendships, strengthen bonds between residents, carers, and staff, and enjoy a warm social environment.
A Permissive, Non-Judgmental Space: Participate freely without pressure, whether through singing, drumming, dancing, or simply listening and absorbing.
Music for Carers
Delivered in partnership with Carers Together, Unpaid Carers Support Southampton, New Forest MENCAP, and local health networks, Music for Carers is a supportive creative programme designed specifically for caregivers and their family members.
Providing a vital space for emotional expression, stress relief, and mental health management, this course offers unpaid caregivers high-quality time to take a break from their demanding responsibilities, reconnect with their identity beyond caregiving, and process complex feelings in a supportive environment. Many participants describe the weekly sessions as a true "lifeline".
Across the programme, participants engage in a rich mix of creative music-making tailored to suit all abilities - whether you are a complete beginner or a returning musician. Sessions blend group singing with collaborative songwriting, storytelling, and digital music production. Participants draw on personal anecdotes and life archives to co-create moving original songs and lyrics in a warm, welcoming environment where everyone's contribution is valued.
Details & Schedule
Day & Time: Fridays (during term time), 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Venue: Planet Sounds, Unit 40 Terminus Terrace, Southampton SO14 3FE
What Can You Expect?
Collaborative Songwriting: Learn simple lyric-writing and composition techniques to transform personal ideas, stories, and emotions into original songs.
Communal Singing & Jamming: Enjoy singing well-known songs from across the decades in a relaxed, low-pressure group setting.
Hands-On Recording & Production: Experience the physical breakthrough of recording your vocal tracks and original music using studio software.
Listening Parties & Celebrations: Conclude your journey with celebratory listening sessions to share your recorded songs with family and peers.
No Previous Experience Needed: You do not need to read music or have a "perfect" singing voice—just a willingness to take part and enjoy yourself!
The Benefits of Joining
Respite & Mental Health Lifeline: Take time out from caring responsibilities to focus on your own wellbeing, build daily routine, and enjoy emotional relief.
Emotional Processing & Self-Discovery: Express deep feelings through lyric-writing and song—often serving as a therapeutic release that goes beyond traditional counselling—to rediscover who you are beyond your caregiving role.
A Welcoming "Family" Environment: Connect with fellow caregivers in an intuitive, non-judgmental space where peers immediately understand how you are feeling without needing to explain or mask.
Shared Experience & Empowerment: Challenge expectations, dedicate meaningful songs to loved ones, and create tangible recordings to celebrate alongside family and friends.
Impact
We’ve worked with vulnerable adult groups in the region since 2008. SoCo’s Community Adult Learning Programmes have engaged thousands of adults through regular sessions, mentoring and events across Southampton and Hampshire.
Our work has supported adults to:
Build confidence and self-esteem
Develop creative and technical music skills
Improve wellbeing and social connection
Access trusted adult support
Take part in performances and events
Explore pathways into education, training and employment
Many participants return week after week, building friendships, creative confidence and a sense of belonging within SoCo’s creative community.
We support young people of all backgrounds and abilities, whether you’re just starting out or ready to release your next big hit - we can support you.
To find out more about current youth sessions, mentoring opportunities or partnership working, contact the SoCo team or follow us on social media for updates and upcoming activities.
Supporting talent - Raising aspirations.
Supporting talent - Raising aspirations.
Where to Find Us
SoCo operates Planet Sounds, Southamptons coolest subteranean music space. You’ll find us under Central Bridge on Terminus Terrace. We’re available for rehearsals every evening and most days, we also run a range of community sessions, including music making to support wellbeing, free rehearsals for young people and so much more!
SoCo Music Project
Planet Sounds
40 The Arches, Terminus Terrace,
Southampton SO14 3FE
