Music and Disability
How music can help
Music is my life, I couldn’t imagine not having access to it.
Jools Holland, Musician and Broadcaster
Music can help children communicate and give them enjoyment, sometimes despite the most severe disabilities. A number of organisations are dedicated to making it possible for all children and young people to have an experience of music. Some of these use the latest advances in information technology in their work.
Music can reach people at any level. You don’t have to have a high appreciation of music, it’s just a fun way of communicating, a relaxed way. And through that you can learn some of the things that come very hard to these children, sharing, taking turns, listening, all sorts of skills.
Sallie Eastwick, Manager of Musical Keys, Norfolk
Musician, and broadcaster Jools Holland, says: “Music is my life. I couldn’t imagine not having access to it.” But he’s aware that for some children their disability can make access to music seem impossible. Jools is a patron of the Drake Music Project. This project has developed computer software, E-Scape, which allows those with disabilities to participate in music. Adele Drake, founder of the project says:
“E-Scape can be used by people with the severest physical disabilities, such as those who are unable to hold a conventional instrument. I feel like we are stepping into the future.”
Music can be a way of exploring the world, or simply a pleasure and an experience in its own right, whether your child is creating or listening to music. But the opportunities to become involved can be more limited if your child has a disability of some kind. Sound Sense offers a national Music and Disability information service.
Jarrod Crossman, five, has Downs syndrome. He really enjoys his weekly music class. His mother Kyra says:
“Really we wanted to stimulate him more and help him that way. He likes the social side of it with the other children and they don’t treat him any differently.”
Jarrod’s teacher, Linda Bance, says that he: “responds beautifully to music”.
Share Music is an organisation that offers music courses for young people with physical disability or sensory impairment throughout the UK and Ireland, held in centres with facilities for disabled people.
At another organisation, Musical Keys in Norfolk, they play different kinds of music and children and parents join in. Colourful instruments and props are used for those who can’t see well or who can’t hear but can feel vibrations.
Sallie Eastwick, Manager, says: “Music can reach people at any level. You don’t have to have a high appreciation of music, it’s a fun way of communicating, a relaxed way. And through this you can learn some of the things that come very hard to these children, like sharing, taking turns and listening - all sorts of skills.”
TOP TIPS
* If you child has a disability there are many ways that they can enjoy music
* Music can be a pleasure for everyone, with the right approach from the teacher. Make sure your child is connecting with their teacher and enjoys classes.
* Music classes can give children with special needs an extra social outlet and help them to feel included. Talk to the teacher about helping your child to fit in.