UK Projects
Our commitment to exploring innovative ways to make some of the benefits of music therapy made more widely available extends to the UK as well as overseas. Or main project here in the UK is Interactive Music-Making for the Under 5s.
This exciting collaboration has grown out of the work of Music Therapist Sarah Hadley, Professional Lead Music Therapy Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and continues to be a joint initiative with Oxleas Music Therapy Service.
Interactive Music-Making is a child-centred approach to music-making, which establishes positive relationships and fosters the child's individual potential. It is designed to make music-making a more integral part of all children's early development opportunities and to promote skills associated with developing social communication.
“I had no idea how musical instruments were going to help improve my son's balance, co-ordination and motor skills, let alone his speech and social skills. The paediatrician said how sociable he is for an autistic child, something I would never have expected her to say before he started Interactive Music-Making.” (Parent)
To find out more about Interactive Music-Making and where it is available, you can download an information leaflet here.
Interactive Music-Making for Practice - A Learning Opportunity
If you are interested to learn more about using Interactive Music-Making in your own work with young children, there is an Interactive Music-Making Learning Programme which you can join.
"Interactive Music-Making gave me the confidence to use music and musical instruments to support children's learning and development, but also gave me a set of tools that are transferable in day to day practice.”
Mirela Siminceanu, Early Years Practitioner, Brookhill Children's Centre
This unique learning programme is credit-rated by the University of Greenwich and comprises twelve weekly evening seminars, supported by both written and practical assignments. It is primarily aimed at those working with infants under the age of 5 years, including early years' practitioners across all community sectors, as well as parents and carers, and musicians and music students who wish to apply their skills within a developmental framework. However, no musical background or particular musical skills are required to access the training, all that matters is an interest in child development and the desire to incorporate music into this. For more information, click here.
The next Interactive Music-Making course begins in September 2013 and costs £575. Please contact shannonperkins@musicastherapy.org for more information, an application form or if you wish to register your interest in a future course.
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This practical approach to making some of the benefits of music therapy more widely available to communities is groundbreaking and we have been delighted to have the support of the Association of Professional Music Therapists, and to have been shortlisted for Advancing Healthcare Awards in both 2012 (Excellence in Learning and Development) and 2013 (Supporting the Future Workforce).
“Many congratulations to you and colleagues... Obviously, a huge amount of hard work and professional expertise has gone into this success. I would be great if there is learning that can be applied from this innovation, elsewhere in Oxleas.” Helen Smith, Deputy Chief Executive, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
"Congratulations on being runners up in your category in the Advancing Health Care Awards 2013. I am very pleased for you, and it is wonderful that music therapists are achieving such high profile recognition. You are doing the profession proud!"
Donald Wetherick, British Association for Music Therapy, Chair
Continuing Professional Development seminars
Music as Therapy International offers occasional Continuing Professional Development seminars to music therapists in training or professional practice, and people with a professional interest link to music therapy practice. After a successful CPD day in November 2012 we are currently planning another CPD Event for later in 2013, so watch this space to find out more.
