Having delivered hundreds of workshops in many schools and nurseries I noticed that some children with were often unable to cope with whole class music sessions as it was overwhelming, loud and intimidating.
As a result, I have developed several interventions that allow these children to access music in an environment which fosters success, brings change and gives children a tool that can enhance their lives.
For young People: Educational settings, Alternative Provision, Home Educated, EOTAS
Hands On Percussion Musical Mentoring programs aim to benefit children who would flourish in an individual or small group setting, using gentler, lower volume instruments, whist still providing movement and fun. Workshops are designed for children who are struggling in certain areas of their lives such as lack of confidence, poor self-esteem, trauma, family break up, OCD, anxiety disorders and eating disorders, offering support to both the children and their families. This may be in the form of 1:1 mentoring, as part of a small group or even getting the family playing music together!
Interventions I offer include:
Sound Therapy. Designed to soothe, heal and relax using sound. Participants are simply asked to lay or sit and listen. Sound baths can be delivered 1:1 or for small groups. Sound baths use chimes, crystal bowls, Himalayan bowls, tongue drums, sound plates, kalimbas, and other handheld percussion instruments to calm the nervous system. Benefits of sound therapy include, increased regulation, better communication skills, an increase in creativity and a wider window of tolerance due to improved sensory integration.
Tongue drums. Create beautiful, ethereal sounds that instantly relax and sooth the nervous system. No wrong notes mean these instruments build confidence quickly and sound great when combined with the Buffalo drums. Playing a tongue drum is beneficial for improving concentration and memory and the calming sounds have been shown to help people with anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Buffalo Drumming. Kids love to drum! A gentle yet powerful drum that is accessible to play and can play both simple and challenging rhythms…sounds fantastic when played in a group. Rhythms from all over the world can be translated onto these drums so drummers can learn Samba from Brazil, African and Arabic rhythms, and many more. The deep tone of the Buffalo drum helps people feel grounded and calm whilst the rhythmic vibrations help relieve stress. Using the best quality, child friendly, instruments that are Vegan and cleanable!
1:1 World percussion lessons. Can be taught in school or in the home, these lessons include learning both traditional rhythms from around the world, and rhythms designed to soothe the nervous system and build confidence.
Gathering cajon. Excellent for small group work and early years settings. Up to 7 children can all sit around the same drum. A playful, community based way to drum!
Music in nature. Combining two essential ingredients for better mental health, music and the outdoors! There is nothing better than playing outside. These sessions are delivered 1:1 and involve a walk to somewhere tranquil and an opportunity to play together in the outdoors. We never play more then 10-15minnutes in one place so as not to disturb wildlife or other nature lovers. These sessions are perfect for young people who may not be able to access school and need Alternative Provision. I have training in Eco Sensory Therapy and this intervention uses Eco Sensory Therapy informed practice.
Bamboo Tamboo. An exciting form of percussion from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Suitable for larger, class sized groups, whilst still keeping the volume manageable! Great for team building, creating community and encouraging leadership skills.
I also offer staff sound therapy sessions and training in Polyvagal Theory and drumming to calm the nervous system. These workshops are suitable for school staff, Alternative Provision staff, carers and support staff working in these settings. Sound therapy and drumming can be a fantastic way to relax, unwind and have fun as a team.