Case Studies

Expression Through Music

compiled by Brian Lee, SRA(m)T, Senior 2 Music Therapist

Brian Lee, one of our music therapists, has worked in mainstream education for quite a while. The most important factor for him is that a wide and equal variety of children of different ethnic and social backgrounds get a chance to experience the liberating power of creating live music on a weekly basis, in a warm, caring environment.

An example of this was when a group of 2 boys and one girl met every week for one year. All 3 have had problems at home that have affected their performance at school and their ability to connect with their peers.

Initially they hardly spoke to each other, but as they became more comfortable and confident through playing the instruments, so they became more bold and confident with each other and with the music therapist.

They had some difficulties sharing, but at least some of these were resolved through the music making. They were more able to interact with their classmates.

Here is what one of them said at the end of music therapy -

"I liked coming here, because I could bring my anger and bad feelings without worrying about what anyone thought. Music helped me to express myself".