Music
Except from Musicleader.Net:
Music is often called the language of emotion and it has amazing power to change lives. As well
as the huge enjoyment and sense of achievement gained from music-making, music opens up new
ways for people to express themselves and make connections with others, allowing them to explore
and show more of their full potential.
People with a learning disability are, like everyone else, unique individuals. We are all different and one of the joys of music making is the process of discovering more about each other as individuals. Society still marginalises people with a learning disability so that they do not have the same choice and control over their own lives as others. Making music can therefore mean much more than simply playing an instrument, it’s about freedom, expression, aspiration and achievement. It can be a really important aspect of someone’s life.
Music Leaders, if this is a new area to you:
As a music leader, your practice is more about how you
communicate with people and how they can communicate with you
than it is about having medical knowledge. For example, if someone
is a wheelchair user, you don’t necessarily need to know why, you
mainly need to understand that person’s access needs, so you can
ensure that person is as fully involved and included as the next. The
same approach applies. No-one will expect you to be an expert in
learning disability. When you are working with a new group, take
time to ask group members and any staff or family if there are any
specific needs or issues you should know about and at least in the
initial stages it may help to ensure that staff or family supporters are
involved in your sessions.
For the full document please view http://www.musicleader.net/uploads/documents/doc_669.pdf