Evaluation has shown that children accessing Music Therapy have shown significant improvement in their ability to relate to adults and peers, and in their attention and awareness. These gains lead to an increased capacity for learning and for coping in their learning environment.

Children are referred to us for many different reasons, including::

• Behavioural difficulties
• Trauma
• Bereavement
• Communication
• Social interaction
• Low self esteem
• Autistic Spectrum Disorders
• Concentration and learning
• Physical skills
• Attachment disorders

Parents attending sessions with their children, or attending video feedback sessions with the therapist, have reported feeling increasingly aware of their children’s needs and therefore being better able to address them.

Music exists in us from birth, from the pulse of our heartbeat to the pitch of our voice. We use music to communicate before we learn to speak and to relax, reflect or change the way we are feeling as we get older. Coram’s Music Therapists work with children who find it difficult to communicate, engaging them in interaction by helping them express themselves through all aspects of music including voice, movement, percussion instruments and piano.

Depending on need, we work with children individually, with their parents or families, or in small peer groups. Sessions usually last between 30 – 50 minutes and take place weekly. The therapist reviews the child’s needs after each 10 week block of sessions

With a parent’s consent, a child can be referred to us by anyone involved in their family. This might be a:

• Parent
• Family support worker
• Social worker
• Health visitor
• Nursery teacher
• Speech and language therapist
• Teacher