Community Adult Learning Programme
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.
Making music. Building confidence. Connecting communities.
Music for the Mind
What can you expect?
Learn at Your Own Pace: Receive tailored, hands-on support across guitar, bass, drums, keys, or vocals, whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time or building on existing skills.
Songwriting & Composition: Learn song structure, lyric-writing techniques, chord arrangements, and melody creation to help you craft your own original songs.
Band & Group Performance: Experience the joy of playing and singing alongside others in a supportive group setting, exploring a diverse range of musical genres tailored to the group's interests.
Creative Expression: Discover new ways to express yourself freely through interactive group exercises, guided improvisation, and collaborative songwriting.
Practical Music Basics: Gain a simple, practical understanding of basic music theory, rhythm patterns, and song arrangements.
Shared Achievements: Work together toward completed songs and enjoy low-pressure opportunities to share or record your music in a relaxed, friendly environment.
The Benefits of Joining
Nurture Your Creative Voice: Discover and express your unique musical style.
A Safe Outlet: Enjoy a comfortable, non-judgmental space for creative and emotional expression.
Build Confidence: Work at your own pace and build trust in your musical abilities.
Connect with Others: Form meaningful friendships with peers who celebrate and encourage each other.
What is Music for the Mind?
Music for the Mind offers 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.
Our Programme Strands
Music for the Mind consists of two core strands:
1. Beginner Songwriting
Designed to help you explore the art of songwriting, discover your musical confidence, and find your unique voice. We believe there is no single "right" way to write a song - we celebrate every individual's creative process.
No matter your starting point, we guide you step-by-step through interactive games and hands-on activities covering lyric writing, musical arrangement, and performance. Whether you want to write an energetic track or a personal acoustic song, our focus is to help you build music you can be proud of.
Details & Schedule
Day & Time: Mondays (during term time), 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Venue: Planet Sounds, Unit 40 Terminus Terrace, Southampton SO14 3FE
2. Open Sessions: Instrumental Skills & Band Performance
Open Sessions offer a creative environment to explore music through weekly instrumental coaching, band performance, singing, and group songwriting. Absolutely no prior musical experience is required—just an interest in music and a willingness to join in!
Participants also have the opportunity to share their work at informal, friendly showcase events. These relaxed gatherings give friends and family a low-pressure setting to celebrate the group’s progress.
Details & Schedule
Day & Time: Tuesdays (during term time), 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Planet Sounds, Unit 40 Terminus Terrace, Southampton SO14 3FE
What can you expect?
Learn at Your Own Pace: Receive tailored, hands-on support across guitar, bass, drums, keys, or vocals - whether picking up an instrument for the first time or building on existing skills.
Songwriting & Lyric Creation: Learn simple song structures, lyric-writing techniques, and chord arrangements to craft original material.
Band & Group Performance: Experience the joy of playing and singing alongside others in an inclusive, non-judgmental group setting.
Creative & Cathartic Expression: Discover non-verbal, creative outlets for processing emotions and building resilience.
Shared Achievements: Work toward completed songs, record original tracks, or participate in friendly, low-pressure showcase events for family and friends.
The Benefits of Joining
A Safe Outlet & Emotional Regulation: Music provides a tactile, "consequence-free, mind-altering" space to step out of negative thought streams, manage anxiety, and express complex emotions safely.
Anchor of Stability & Routine: Consistent weekly sessions provide structure, accountability, and a reliable, low-pressure focus to look forward to.
Rebuilding Identity Beyond Addiction: Reframe your self-perception from being defined by addiction to identifying as a musician, songwriter, drummer, or collaborative group member.
Connect & Reintegrate: Build strong support networks, genuine friendships, and social confidence among peers sharing similar lived experiences.
Recovery Programme
What is the 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.
Our Programme Strands
Our Recovery Programme consists of core creative strands tailored to support participants at every stage of their musical and recovery journey:
1. Beginner Music-Making
Foundational Skills & Peer Empowerment
Introduces musical instrumentation (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and percussion) using a "theory-light, community-heavy" model. We focus on sensory exploration, simplified chord progressions, basic rhythm patterns, and peer support to build immediate confidence without any fear of getting things wrong.
Details & Schedule
Day & Time: Fridays (during term time), 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Venue: The Pavilion, Hoglands Park, Southampton SO14 1NH
2. Songwriting
A Pathway to Creative Expression
Supports you in expressing your personal story, thoughts, and emotions through lyric writing and original musical composition. Explore songwriting styles and techniques individually or collaboratively in a supportive, cathartic environment.
Details & Schedule
Day & Time: Tuesdays (during term time), 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Venue: The Pavilion, Hoglands Park, Southampton SO14 1NH
3. Jamming Sessions
Live Band Performance & Connection
Prepares you to play and perform as part of a group. Explore genres ranging from rock, blues, and pop to reggae, indie, and punk through structured rehearsal and free-form improvisation. Learn timing, counting beats, and ensemble listening in a vibrant band setting.
Details & Schedule
Day & Time: Fridays (during term time), 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Venue: The Pavilion, Hoglands Park, Southampton SO14 1NH
Make Some Noise: LD Music-Making
What is Make Some Noise?
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.
The Benefits of Joining
Nurture Personal & Creative Expression: Express yourself freely using real instruments, accessible iPad tech, movement, or lyric writing.
A Permissive, Non-Judgmental Space: Enjoy a disarming environment focused on sensory exploration, fun, and celebratory participation.
Build Confidence & Independence: Develop musical understanding, trial new instruments, and build trust in your creative abilities.
Connect & Develop Friendships: Form meaningful bonds, practice teamwork, and share enjoyable group experiences with peers and support workers.
What can you expect?
Person-Centered Learning: Sessions adapt in real time around how you move, interact, and communicate, giving you as much choice and control as possible.
Accessible Tech & Gear: Work with iPads set up for instant play alongside a wide range of sensory percussion and acoustic instruments.
Interactive Warm-Ups & Jamming: Start with personalized hello songs, progress through collaborative group jams, and finish with soothing, calm wind-down activities.
Shared Achievements & Media: Record group tracks, build digital beats, create music videos, and share your achievements with family and friends.
No Experience Needed: Absolutely no prior musical knowledge or sheet-music reading is required—just an interest in exploring sounds and having fun!
Music Active
What is 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.
What can you expect?
Learn & Participate at Your Own Pace: Engage at whatever level feels comfortable—whether singing along, tapping a rhythm, sharing a poem, or enjoying the music.
Familiar Repertoire & Original Songs: Sing along to beloved classics from past decades while co-creating new, meaningful lyrics inspired by personal stories.
Accessible Instruments & Tech: Explore acoustic instruments alongside digital music-making tools in a supportive group setting.
A Safe, Consistent Routine: Sessions offer a reliable structure filled with laughter, conversation, and shared achievement.
No Previous Experience Needed: Absolutely no prior musical knowledge or sheet-music reading is required—the course is designed for all abilities.
Music for Carers
What is 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
