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Guitar Workshop, for those with a disability

     From complete beginners to players of all ages
·       No musical knowledge required
·       Learn and improve with others through chords and song
Workshops are every Wednesday 2.30pm to 4.00pm & Thursday 4.00pm to 5.30pm
Instruments provided if needed, all you need is enthusiasm
For more details and to register for a place ring Music Alive on 01793 770699

Workshop location: Bentham House, Purton, Swindon

Do you have a passion for Music?

Come and share it with us

Music Alive are looking for people with and without disabilities to join weekly music sessions

Monday Evening Session Society

Acoustic Jam Session

First Monday of the month: Royal George Inn, 27 Pavenhill, Purton, Wiltshire, SN5 4BZ 01793 770378
Second Monday: Rose & Crown, The Green, Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7DB 01793 766287
Third Monday: tba
Fourth Monday: Iron Horse, Kerrs Way, Wroughton
Fifth Monday: Rose & Crown, The Green, Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7DB 01793 766287

All welcome to Enjoy, Play, Sing and Listen.

Repertoire varies depending on who is playing.

Thanks due to venues for their hospitality.

Learn new tunes, communicate and stay informed at

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/musicalivejam/

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/djfoster/

Access varies depending on the venue. Please contact Music Alive for detailed information.

Family Learning: Supporting children with Special Needs at Music Alive

Over the last three years Music Alive, has successfully developed a unique programme providing music-making opportunities for disabled children and their families. Under the guidance of Debbie Wolfsohn, the charity's founder and Director, partnerships with family centres, schools (across three counties), parents, social workers, participants and volunteers have enabled the equal integration of disabled and non-disabled children in a learning environment which is both fun and productive.

Debbie's philosophy is refreshing and progressive. I believe the most effective and successful way in which music can help disabled children develop skills and abilities is through regular music sessions over a substantial period of time with a skilled music facilitator such as a music therapist, community musician or tutor. In order that the time burden doesn't just fall onto the shoulders of the parents, we invite siblings and friends of the disabled children to join them making music at Music Alive.

The unique aspect is this focus on the involvement of others. Children are attracted to learn more quickly and effectively from their peers while the inevitable role-modelling helps accelerate development. Non-disabled children enjoy helping and adopt responsible attitudes whilst having fun with friends from, say, a school for children with learning disabilites, who they might not otherwise meet. Music Alive aims for an equal split between disabled and non-disabled children in group music-making sessions and with communication being assisted by these familiar people, the disabled children quickly settle and become accustomed to unfamiliar surroundings. The speed with which they are able to relax, learn and enjoy is impressive. A carer at a recent session reported, The closeness between brother and sister was very obvious as he encouraged and prompted his sister to remember her words and rhythm. They both got great pleasure in working together on the same music project.

The resources provided by Music Alive to facilitate these sessions are impressive. There is a wide range of traditional instruments ranging from a penny whistle to a piano, with everything you can think of in between. Access is given to state of the art music technology and the most up-to-date computers. Music can be produced and recorded with ease and it is not unusual for the disabled child to produce a CD of his or her own music. Professional musicians also contribute; one specialises in Drum Circle work, another is a Singer and there is a Guitarist. The latest addition to Music Alive's resources is a Konnakol vocal percussionist; an incredible technique originating in southern India, which all children and adults find quite fascinating. In addition there is Debbie herself, a Community Musician with fifteen years experience.

Loyal participants return to Music Alive time after time. Sessions are presently held in the school holidays but as volunteers increase they will be scheduled for after school. This will be of enormous benefit as disabled children, non-disabled children, parents and friends will all meet in an environment where they have equal access to the subject matter - creativity. Another carer describes her experience, Gathered together at Music Alive were a large group of people ranging from a small child to a 64 year old granny. there were brothers and sisters, carers and clients, mums, sons and daughters. It was incredible, we all learned each others names by using music and clapping to the rhythm.

Music Alive's premises are in rural surroundings. The charity encourages clients to use their social workers for obtaining the necessary transport and funds. Sessions cost £10 each and bursaries are available for those in need. It is a principle of Music Alive that no-one should be refused due to lack of funds. This is in keeping with the integrative principles adopted by the charity through all its activities, including the individual music sessions for those who would not benefit from group sessions or who wish to study more seriously to improve their musicianship and life skills.

Finally, visit Music Alive and you can be sure of a delightfully entertaining experience. Better still, make a donation and help keep this wonderful work going.

Mark Johnson October 2006

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