Pat hasn’t let her congenital blindness stop her from starting to learn the piano aged 80. Opportunities for her to learn earlier in her life did not arise, so she has grabbed the chance to get those fingers tinkling and has become an accomplished pianist in only just over 2 years. She has been a regular participant in PMZ’s ‘Keep Singing Keepsakes’ sessions at ‘The Rise’ – sheltered housing for people with sight loss. She is also a dedicated and active forum member for both PMZer and Engage at PMZ. Even her recent difficult battles with health have not diminished her drive and determination to develop musically at the same time as passionately advocating for others to be able to do the same.

MUSICAL NOTES 

What do you do for PMZ?

I help in three sessions a week: in ‘Baton Beats’ – a weekly percussion session for anyone over 18, ‘Moving Sounds’ music and movement workshop for adults with disabilities and the regular ‘Keep Singing Keepsake’ session at the Rise (Plympton). I also assist Intergenerational Coordinator Rob with the Rhythma and Resepect project and the PMZ forums.

Do you play any instruments?

I play midi keyboard and an iPad, I also try a bit of singing now and then.

What musical instrument would best describe you as a person?

A set of drums because I can sometimes be loud!

What has music done for you in your life?

Music has helped build up my confidence and all the people at PMZ have helped me grow as a person.   As a result it’s enabled me to volunteer at SCOPE and I also now enjoy volunteering for iOrchestra once a year.   I don’t think I would ever have tried to volunteer for Highbury if I wasn’t at PMZ.

What’s the best bit about volunteering at PMZ?

I volunteer and work in many places. Sometimes I feel as though I don’t get treated equally.  However at PMZ I feel as though they are like another family.

What’s the first record/CD you ever bought?

I think it was one of the “Now that’s what I call Music” CDs, I enjoy a variety of different types of music from 60s to heavy rock and some of today’s chart hits.