Communication through music...
The value of every sound, movement and response
When we think of communicating with someone, it’s common to assume a verbal based approach.
We may then take our minds towards signing and/or the use of symbols.
Which would then lead us to think about physical responses.
What this list already provides, is an example of how much variety exists within communication. And how easy it would be to miss an emotional response, and the resulting impact that your approaches and engagement are having on someone.
I apply this mindset to every music session that my charity attends - because the people we support have vastly different needs. It is then our job, alongside close liaison with their support network, to create an environment where the individual is best served.
A recent interaction with a simple sensory instrument reminded me of how important this is.
Read on to see the video that highlighted this impact to me and the rest of my charities team.
Meet Gary
We’ve known Gary for around 8 years. He will attend each of our weekly music sessions, but will often remain quiet and reserved - providing small amounts of interaction.
It would be easy to assume that he is happy to attend our sessions, but doesn’t particularly gain much therapeutic benefit or stimulation from our approaches.
However, when we were given the opportunity to conduct smaller group and 1-1 sessions either side of the larger workshop, we began to see what impact the music was actually having.
Once the smaller sessions were suggested, Gary was one of the first to raise his hand and show interest.
He has a highly limited vocal range and will communicate mainly with a nod or shake of the head. A smile or a disgruntled look. As you can imagine, his parents and wider support network know these reactions best.
After our first 1-1 with Gary, we left feeling good about it. He’d engaged with the instruments, responded to us, and we’d seen some smiles.
The following week, his Mum approached us in tears.
She’d just watched a video of her son engaging, interacting and smiling in a far deeper way than usual - and she told us how rare these moments are in his life.
Their bond is strong, but his signs of happiness are hard to read.
In that footage though... she could see the joy in his face.
We were delighted to hear such wonderful news, and couldn’t wait to see Gary again.
We now know the signs that bit better. We can cater for him in a more efficient way. And because of this, each of us became a more effective music instructor.
Carers, parents, support networks know our attendees in ways we never will. And it is an important part of our job to ensure we liaise and form a close connection with them.
It’s impossible for us to pick up on every reaction. But our aim is create the best environment for us to catch as many as possible. Because those little glimpses into someones personality and individual needs - might help us unlock a whole new form of communication for them to access.
We might think we’ve made some good progress in a session. But we could be missing the groundbreaking moments. The ones that show huge strides in confidence and connection.
Music has the ability to exactly that.
This is the video Garys Mum was shown:
Call and Response
Another shining example occurred during one of the charities sessions for an Essex based day service, who support young adults with disabilities.
From our opening hello song, the lad in the following video looked in awe of what our instructor was delivering.
However, if we casually approached him, asked how he felt, or offered him the microphone/instrument, he would close his eyes or turn away.
But… around halfway through, the Djembe was introduced. His eyes lit up when our instructor (Rob) demonstrated it’s sound. And he instantly reached out in an attempt to catch Robs attention.
As soon as our instructor was close to him, he began drumming… and then created the wonderful back and forth you can see in this video.
Although this young man is non-verbal - this instrument provided a moment for him to connect in a way that is rare in his life.
Unfortunately, you can imagine how often he may have missed opportunities to engage with others in this way. Either due to a lack of awareness of his needs, or the correct stimulant not being provided.
Something about the sound and rhythm grabbed him. And someone who would usually decline to interact - was now making eye contact, copying patterns and remaining engaged.
He was connecting and expressing.
And it’s moments like this that make everyone at our charity feel entirely privileged to facilitate these moments.
But most importantly, we are grateful for the opportunity to meet such wonderful individuals - who open our eyes to what connection, and communication means - and how different it can be for us all.
Do you have moments like this in your life? Please feel free to drop them in the comments and share with us all. I’d love to hear about them.
And who knows.. you might help someone else find a way to connect with those around them.
I’ll speak to you again soon.
Take care,
x
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It’s those moments that make it all worth it. Im glad you are having success spreading joy and communication through music 😌
Love the Djembe… this is a powerful story— thank you for sharing.