Music
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Finley’s story
September 9, 2016
‘Finley is a little boy that I worked with at a children’s hospice. He was a very poorly little one, having several seizures a day and often being exhausted and unresponsive. Fin used little eye contact and struggled to engage or communicate in any way. He was often ‘in a bubble’ which made play difficult with him and due to problems with his hands, Fin could not grip or grasp items easily. In music therapy, Finley was freed from his impairments. He reached forward and played the chimes – showing awareness when I mirrored him on the piano and actively looking for me to respond when he sounded them. Fin used eye contact, which was incredibly significant for him! When I picked up on the smallest of vocal sounds that he created and extended this, Fin began to sing with me in a communicative way. He knew that I was there. He wanted to communicate with me. He knew that I was attuned to him and could engage on an entirely different level. For such a little one he was incredibly expressive through the music and it was a medium which could reach him regardless of his state of health on any given day…it’s a touching clip.’ Roz, Music Therapist
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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!