Eight weeks ago the thought of Brandon Lawrence singing a song in front of an audience was unfathomable.
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But the music therapy group at Maitland's Conservatorium of Music has made it a reality.
Mr Lawrence, 18, has a disability which makes him predominantly non-verbal and he needs to be prompted by family to communicate.
He joined the music program this year and the results have been extraordinary.
Mr Lawrence can now sing a full song and was even happy to lead the group in a jam session at yesterday’s workshop.
The music therapy workshops are a partnership between Endeavour Group Australia and the University of Newcastle Conservatorium of Music.
“The weekly group sessions with Endeavour clients have recently developed from a singing focus into an extensive program including singing, movement and instrumental work based around the individual choices and needs of clients” the conservatorium’s registered music therapist Jenni Temperley said.
“Each week we see benefits in how the musical activities allow the participants to recognise that their contribution is valued and respected, whether that be through using their voices, instruments or physical movements.”
At the last workshop before the Easter break participants played drums and guitars and took turns expressing their rhythm to the group.
“Each and every member of our music group has achieved goals over the course of the program ranging from simply sitting in on the group session and listening to the music, right through to learning a new song or instrument and performing in front of an audience,” Endeavour community programs team leader Jane Warren said.
“The option for our group to select the music or instruments each week based on their likes and interests is one of the reasons the program has been so successful.”
She said the program had resulted in significant developments in confidence and allowed individual personalities to flourish in a safe and fun environment.