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Activity Videos

I-Spy walking song

Lockdown Morning

I have introduced many learning disabled groups and individuals to the basics of playing, performing, writing, and recording music.

I see music as a fantastic tool for positive engagement, communication, and self expression.

When I work with learning disabled groups (and other community groups for that matter),
I try to bear in mind five main targets that I aim to achieve when leading music sessions.
I have given them all an ‘E’ word to help me remember them…

ENGAGEMENT
I look for positive and meaningful engagement with myself, other group members and with the activity .

Some service users will come bursting through the door with no inhibitions, singing and dancing, while others need gentle coaxing and encouragement over time, just to feel
comfortable enough to begin to take part.

I always look for what is progress for them 
A small contribution can sometimes be a big achievement.

Positive  ENERGY
Encouraging physical activity with movement songs, the playing of instruments, and singing,
leading to the release of endorphins.
I look for, and often see, changes in people’s overall mood and also in their confidence.

EMPATHY 
Making sure everyone is included in the session and can make a contribution that is valued.

Everyone in the room automatically becomes a member of the band, and therefore never an
outsider.

Sometimes the support workers are more nervous about being asked to sing or play an instrument than the services users are.

This can actually be a positive, as it puts them on a level playing field with the individual
they are supporting, and they can really bond as they begin to relax and enjoy playing in
‘the band’ together.

EDUCATION
Using specific music games and topics to explore all the basic concepts involved in making music

TEMPO             – i.e. Is it a SLOW or FAST piece?

PITCH                – i.e. Is it a HIGH or a LOW note?

DYNAMICS        – i.e Is it LOUD or QUIET?

DURATION        – i.e. Is it LONG or SHORT?

TEXTURE          – Mixing different instruments and sounds together (and recognising them)

EXPRESSION    – i.e. Is it HAPPY or SAD? How does it make us feel?

STRUCTURE      – i.e. The ‘PLAN’ of the song or piece – Verse, Chorus, Solo, etc.

STYLES               – i.e. Exploring genres of every kind from Country to Reggae, Pop to Rock, Musical theatre and Novelty songs

And last but not least….ENJOYMENT

Please email me for information about current groups that I run in Hampshire and Dorset

Examples of songs written and recorded by learning disabled groups and individuals can be found on Soundcloud under the Little Orchard Studio – simply click on the link below:

  

A video for “Fred Dineage” a song written by one of my learning disabled students

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