The fundamental difference is that in a music for well-being session the emphasis is on how music can help an individual express themselves or form/deepen relationships. Music is used as part of the process and there may still be elements of teaching, but it is less structured and more child-led and playful than a traditional music class. There will be a lot of making up songs to go along with a child’s spontaneous play, and a lot of ‘musical conversation’ or back and forth sound-play, which is an ideal way for children to learn non-verbal relationship-building skills such as turn-taking and listening.

Music therapists have completed specialist training, usually to masters level, at approved academic programs. We are trained to use music to help people achieve goals relating to physical, social, emotional, or cognitive health and well-being.

Neuroscience is now showing us why music has ben used in community gatherings and religious ceremonies since the dawn of human existence. Brain imaging shows us that music activates areas of the brain associated with emotions and memory. It also deactivates areas of the brain more associated with logic and reason. So it can enable us to make connections and process things in a very different way, opening up new pathways and enabling integration.

Music also connects us to others in a profound way, helping us to feel less alone and deepening our experience of being in community.

This varies a lot depending on the individual. Usually there will be some structured elements but lots of free play/improvisation. The session will start with some kind of welcoming ritual, song or grounding practice. In sessions with children I might use pre-composed songs as a starting point, leading into more free-play and improvisation as they begin to find their own voice. In a session with adults I might invite you to explore a certain theme in your life and how different parts of yourself relate to it. We might improvise music, giving voice to these parts.

There is never a wrong or right way to play but if it is difficult for you to find the freedom to explore then there are lots of things that might help. For example I might play a repeating rhythm or notes and ask you to copy me initially, then slowly add your own variations. Or we might make up a song together, or draw a picture and then play music to go with it.

We might discuss the music afterward and what comes up for you , or just let the music speak for itself.

No! Absolutely no musical experience is needed to take part in a music for well-being session. You only need to like music and be interested in how it might help you explore things in an new way. A range of accessible instruments - including tuned and untuned percussion - are provided, and I also work a lot with the voice as this is our most personal, embodied and expressive instrument.