‘Nine people have been receiving one-to-one music therapy through the internet since the beginning of this year,” said Music Therapy Manager Jenny Robson. “We have also been piloting some group sessions. We are met by smiles of recognition, and people have taken it in their stride that they can communicate with the music therapist through Zoom!”
All the music is tailor-made to give each person an experience of being able to be an active partner in the music-making. Just as many people have used zoom over the last year to build and sustain relationships, Parity’s music therapists have explored musical conversations, musical games and singing together.
People can choose music that suits their mood. Students who have instruments at home such as a guitar, drum or bells, have enjoyed making use of them. For people have been isolated at home for a long time – e.g. if they have been shielding, these sessions have given people a link to a relationship outside their immediate family or carers, and something to look forward to.
“We have heard that at least one person talks about their session for the rest of the day!” Jenny said.
We plan to continue to offer remote music therapy to people who need it – e.g. people who are in households who are shielding. We have also started to offer some face-to-face work, e.g. for students from our day centres who are not able get what they need from the therapy through the internet. We have done lots of work on ensuring that PPE and hygiene procedures are in place to keep everyone safe.
Our music therapists are also starting to return to their work with young people in special schools, as schools start to allow visiting professionals to return.
“We are looking forward to being able to get back to offering our full range of music therapy services,” Jenny said.
More about Parity’s Music Therapy Services.
Our music therapy team is able to offer day service places thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All England.