Music
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Adam’s First Music Therapy Session
December 7, 2016
Adam is eleven years old, he attends the Royal School for the Blind in Liverpool (www.rsblind.org), where specialised staff encourage him to respond and develop his skills to enable participation and learning.
Adam is registered blind, has additional needs and can be stubborn and challenging to engage, particularly in group work. He is taken on a 1:1 basis in music therapy with Roz, music therapist and Director of MusAbility, to give him more freedom to be expressive. He is seen once a week as part of his curriculum at school.
This footage is taken from Adam’s first ever music therapy session – Adam begins with excited and uncertain vocalisations, with little awareness of being with someone else in the music; however as the clip progresses his awareness increases rapidly and he begins to respond to the music quite profoundly, saying his name, singing with Roz and playing the piano.
Adam now runs to sessions and never wants to leave when they have finished – and most importantly he is expanding his development of social skills through listening, waiting and turn-taking, gaining self-awareness and awareness of others, expressing his emotions within the music, which can often be incredibly touching, and actively choosing to participate with great intent.
The pure joy that Adam appears to be feeling is evident in the video – it’s pretty powerful to watch – we love this clip!
To find out more about MusAbility and the work that we do, head to www.musability.co.uk, or email us with your query: info@musability.co.uk.
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What our friends say about us
We use MusAbility for several of our clients who are currently, and have previously been through the medical negligence court system. MusAbility’s services are not only professional, timely and evidence-based in their clinical assessments, but the clients also show real developments in long-term work where many other health professionals declared none were possible. A truly inspirational team.
Medical Negligence Lawyer
Not only can we see the clear changes in behaviour for the children that attend music therapy…but it’s giving the staff new skills and techniques to work with the children that need a little extra support. Just brilliant.
Classroom Teacher, Mainstream School
It is absolutely fascinating to see how this child responds in music therapy…to be surrounded by verbal interaction, then be met in an environment when words are sometimes not used at all…it is incredibly impactive. I think it should be available to every child!
Support Assistant in Mainstream School
I have honestly never seen anything like it…music therapy reaches this child at such a profound level, we are in tears of joy every session, and their development visibly increases week to week.
Teaching Assistant, Specialist School
Some of the children in our school are that bit older…and they really struggle to engage both in the classroom and with staff on a 1:1 basis. Music therapy breaks down all boundaries. They love the sessions, and they think it’s so ‘cool’ that they are pushed to reach their potential…sometimes without even realising it!
Deputy Head Teacher, School for Children with Special Needs
Our music therapist is an integral part of our team. Not only do they engage clinically with the clients, but they also liaise with staff within the multi-disciplinary team…most importantly always putting the client first. We absolutely could not do without music therapy…and our clients wouldn’t allow it!