Live the Beat Founder Amanda Wrigley Highlights the Transformative Power of Music on Making Sense Podcast

Music has the power to connect generations, improve wellbeing and unlock memories – and that's exactly the message Live the Beat founder Amanda Wrigley shared during her recent appearance on Alison Blackler's Making Sense podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSYel3U9tpc

In this Guest Spotlight episode, Amanda spoke about her passion for using music as a tool for learning, inclusion and emotional wellbeing across all ages. During the conversation, she explained how Live the Beat has grown from its beginnings as Little Beats, offering music and movement sessions for young children, into a wider organisation delivering musical experiences in schools, nurseries and care homes.

"We all have an emotional connection with music," Amanda explained. "It brings people together, creates opportunities for learning and allows everyone to take part at a level they feel comfortable with."

A key focus of the discussion was Amanda's pioneering intergenerational work, bringing young children and older adults together through music. Working alongside Ready Generations and researchers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Amanda is helping explore how regular shared musical experiences can strengthen relationships, encourage communication and support cognitive wellbeing.

One of the most moving moments Amanda shared came during a recent choir performance in a care home, where she witnessed a resident living with dementia come alive through music.

"I saw this lady's eyes completely light up," Amanda recalled. "It was such a powerful connection through singing that it's a moment I'll never forget."

Amanda believes music is far more than entertainment. Through singing, movement and shared experiences, she has seen participants gradually build confidence, with residents who initially preferred simply to watch sessions now singing as members of an intergenerational choir.

The conversation also explored music and memory, discussing how familiar songs can unlock forgotten experiences while learning new music helps create fresh neural connections. Amanda explained that introducing new songs to older adults has proved surprisingly successful, supporting confidence, learning and ongoing brain stimulation.

As Live the Beat continues to grow, Amanda is preparing exciting performances involving nursery children, primary schools and care home residents performing together. The project demonstrates how music can remove barriers between generations while promoting wellbeing, confidence and community spirit.

Reflecting on the sessions, Amanda emphasised that some of the most meaningful moments happen between the songs themselves. "It's not always about performing," she said. "Sometimes it's simply sharing a smile, making eye contact or helping each other. Those connections are just as important as the music."

Whether working with toddlers, school pupils or older adults, Live the Beat continues to show that music isn't simply something we listen to, it's something that helps us connect, learn and truly live the beat.