Testimonials

Report from special school where I had been doing a long-term group therapy sessions:

“I have not been asked to write this short report. I would just like those of you concerned to know how much we… appreciate John's sessions with us on a Thursday morning.
Over the last few months, our secondary aged pupils have been working with John on a variety of projects. At first, several of the pupils were reluctant to join in for the fear that they would look stupid, or the others would laugh at them. This is not the case any longer. John has been able to interact with all our pupils, some whom have severe learning difficulties. I have noticed that over the weeks, our pupils have become more confident and actually look forward to the sessions every week. I have written a few case studies to illustrate the impact that John and his music is having on our pupils.

Case study 1

B. came to the lessons refusing to take part. He is a child with emotional and learning difficulties. He has a problem keeping his temper and I wondered how he would react being "made" to sing with the others. B. did not actively take part for a few weeks, but then John asked him to stand up and sing as part of a group. We waited for the explosion, but there wasn't one. B. stood up to sing with his friends. Since then, he asks me every week if John is coming on Thursday. He takes part in all aspects of the lesson and even rapped his way through a song the other day!

Case Study 2

S5 are a Social Competence class. They have severe learning difficulties; some of them have communication problems. John has managed to work with all the pupils in this group and get all of them involved to varying degrees. M. has Down's Syndrome and has problems communicating. He uses Makaton to communicate most things. I will never forget the big grin on his face as he accompanied John, playing the blues on the xylophone. He loved it, and tries, as much as he can to join in all of John’s sessions.

Case Study 3

One Thursday, John worked with our senior classes. These pupils are 15-16 years of age. When I told them that John would be working with them, several of them expressed the opinion that it would be rubbish. John spent a morning working with them and now they keep asking if they can have him back. Every single pupil in the group loved the session.
As you may have gathered, John is bringing something unique to our school. Through music and his special brand of humour, he is helping our pupils gain in confidence and ability in a way that none of us here could do. The pupils look forward to every session and often see John at the end of the morning to help him pack his instruments away and to say goodbye. John is a valuable part of their curriculum. Long may it continue!” S.T.

Message from key worker of long term client with Autism whom I have been working with weekly for almost 10 years

“Just to let you know you were absolutely brilliant with D this week. He was having a really bad time mood wise and you really, really perked him up and it really helped us to get him back on track. Thank you very much, you were fabulous."

Comments on evaluation form following as series of workshop at a children’s theatre:

“The music workshop was brilliant…the participation and enthusiasm of the children said it all”

“The music was really excellent”

“Excellent, very enjoyable, easy to follow and fun for the participants”

“Great music”