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Our new musical group therapy, ‘Make My Own Music’, is a 7 to 10-week therapeutic music project to support a group of 11-18-year-olds to make music, build their social confidence and express themselves. With the support of an experienced Music and Play Therapist and professional musicians, the group experimented with different sounds and lyrics using mini-mixers and other instruments, exploring their emotions in a safe, creative space. Below, we explore our most recent summer cohort sessions and find out some of the highlights and key learnings.

Our summer group of Make My Own Music (MMOM) recently took place with 30 hours of therapy provided to a group young people who needed help with social anxiety and their confidence. The group was varied across ages, gender and musical ability, with a warm, friendly and open approach to all those who took part. 

The use of emotional cards

At the beginning and end of each session, our Music and Play Therapist Fiona began the therapy using emotion cards, helping our young people regulate and communicate how they were feeling throughout the session. 

Outside of instruments, our group used sensory lighting to support the activities by creating a calming, relaxing environment. Disco lights provided a colourful backdrop and have been known to help any young people diagnosed with Autism. 

What instruments were used in MMOM?

The group and children led each session in what they wanted to play with, considering their emotions and feelings at the time. This led to an organic and natural way of playing different types of instruments. Drums were a popular choice for many of our young people as the immediate impact and sound can create an instant impression. However, the group also had to be conscious of any members that were anxious and sensitive to loud noises at the time. 

During the weeks, the group moved from drums to other instruments such as electronic keyboards, played via a computer, acoustic guitars and percussion instruments such as tambourines. Look at our gallery below of images and videos showcasing the fantastic work our group produced over the last seven weeks!

Creating songs and rhyme

After the musical instruments and sounds had been explored, it was time for the group to implement vocals via improvisation from our therapy leader and group volunteers. Over the course of the seven weeks, the group wrote, developed and sang their own personal song, ‘A Doorway to Happiness’, creating an amazing chorus and sound to reflect their time well spent during MMOM. Take a listen below!

Looking back on our summer MMOM sessions

Seeing all the work and creative output from our young people is so lovely to witness. Fiona, our Music and Play Therapist and group leader had the following feedback on our wonderful MMOM summer sessions.

“It was amazing to see our young people grow and develop over the weeks and learn new skills, both in musical play and social confidence and self-esteem. Some of our attendees entered the sessions feeling anxious and very nervous, due to the new environment and surroundings, alongside interacting with peers they may not have met before. However, by the end of the sessions, everyone was engaged and talking more confidently, showing newfound people kills, which were limited before they attended our MMOM therapy. We look forward to welcoming our next cohort in September this year.”

We would also like to give a special thank you to our MMOM group volunteers Jasmine and Amy, who brilliantly supported Fiona during the sessions. We could not have done it without you!

Do you know someone who can benefit from MMOM?

Make My Own Music is suitable for young people aged 11-18 years old with an interest in music who may be struggling with conditions such as social anxiety, a lack of confidence and a low self-esteem. The learnings within our group therapy session are centred around social skills and communication via music, therefore any level of musical experience is welcome.

When is the next group?

The next cohort will begin in September 2022 with sessions running through until early December 2022. We still have some limited spaces available to book via an online referral. Sessions will be held at our Head Office, Hargrave House, Chelmsford.

Discover More: Make My Own Music