Additional Needs

Our joyful music therapy sessions nurture social and communication skills through playful music-making, singing, movement and vibrant visuals. We work with individuals and small groups using a gentle, flexible structure that supports choice, confidence and familiarity. Students explore sounds and instruments together in a relaxed environment. Sessions are often guided by curriculum based themes such as travel and transport spark imagination, empower beneficiaries and imbue music making with real-life meaning. 

Music Therapy

Music therapy is founded on the believe that music is a form of communication that everyone

can access regardless of their musical background. Music Therapy utilises beneficiaries' innate musicality to engage them in practical, interactive music making. Through shared music making a therapeutic relationship is established from which positive change can occur. Often the non-verbal medium of music enables characteristics of a child to emerge through other means of physical or emotional responses. 

Spontaneous music making allows for freedom and authentic self-expression, and helps develop a sense of self, building self-esteem and strengthening emotional regulation. The beneficiary develops independence and how they interact with others. With music therapy a whole range of instruments and genres can be explored! 

A breakdown of musical areas depends on individual preferences and can include:

• Song writing

• Composing using technology

• Improvising

• Playing pre-composed songs

• Lyric writing

• Group work

• Listening to music

What is a Music Therapist?

Music Therapy is delivered by someone who has undergone the required master’s level training. Music therapists are also registered with the HCPC (Health Care Professionals Council). Theirtraining enables an understanding of a client’s from personal history, social context, culture, and family structure, and how the information can support the structure of a session. 

Music Therapy training requires a high level of musicianship across a range of instruments and genres so sessions can be adapted to the emotional and musical needs of a child. These might include music and instrumental improvisation, 1-1 music instrumental tuition, vocal workshops, and bespoke classes.

As Music House Education's resident Music Therapist, Martha is qualified to work on across the different ages and needs, in small groups and on a one to one basis. Music House Education has a clear ethos of inclusivity, striving to ensure those with learning differences, additional needs, and developmental delay can still access the joy of music. Martha will be able to provide creative, collaborative, and safe therapeutic experiences that is accessible to all children regardless of musical or cognitive abilities. Her work is underpinned by a 'strengths based' approach where children and students can explore their emotions and identity, and work on developmental goals such as speech and fine/ gross motor skills.