Teacher brings her own band into school for music therapy

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Teacher brings her own band into school for music therapy

Aug 12 2010 by Gareth , Western Mail

A TEACHER is using her own experience of playing in a band to educate children

in her care.

Upham and her band Back Room have played for youngsters at T Coryton

in Cardiff, which caters for children with varying levels of autism.

Ms Upham introduced the musicians to her class as an end-of-term treat to

complement their music therapy.

Making and moving to music helps stimulate children’s interaction and

creativity.

s, head of education at T Coryton, said: “Music is very

important for young people with autism. It is proven to develop social

engagement, attention and communication abilities, while also addressing

emotional needs and improving quality of life.

“Our school includes the use of music therapy, which many of the pupils enjoy,

and we were thrilled to be able to host Back Room for the afternoon. The pupils

particularly enjoyed having a go on the drum kit themselves.”

T Coryton is part of Orbis Education and Care, an organisation which focuses on

residential schools and care homes for young people on the autistic spectrum.

The group, which teaches and cares for 29 young people across Wales, is

committed to providing the support that every young person needs to achieve

their full potential.