Jamal’s story

Music therapy is a safe space where Jamal can express himself

Jamal was 5 years-old when he first attended a music therapy session. He is now 19 and music therapy has transformed his life.

Jamal has autism and when he was young this meant that he had limited communication and social skills. It impacted his fine motor skills, which meant that he could not hold objects and he had severe sensory processing difficulties and would have “emotional meltdowns”. He often hurt himself, hitting his head on floors and his parents Anetta and Toni worried about his future and felt very alone.

Anetta learnt about Nordoff and Robbins and joined the year-long waiting list for Jamal to have music therapy.

We had heard it was worth it, so we just held on to hope.

Anetta, Jamal’s mum

Jamal joined a group music therapy session, run by Nordoff and Robbins music therapist Brigitte, before being referred for one-to-one music therapy sessions. Initially, to help with his fine motor skills, Brigitte would guide Jamal’s hands on to the instruments for him to play.

Anetta says “I remember the first session clearly. Brigitte understood Jamal and could communicate with him. We felt hope, like we belonged.”

Music therapy helped Jamal develop his communication, listening and social skills. Music became his “safe space” and he developed a love for playing the piano.

Music therapy for Jamal was life changing. He learned to express himself through music and the piano became his voice.

Anetta, Jamal’s mum

Jamal has continued to be supported by Nordoff and Robbins music therapists throughout his life. He regularly performs at the charity’s bi-annual showcases in Manchester, where clients share their music. He’s also played piano at the Alderley Edge Music Festival.

Describing how music therapy makes him feel, Jamal says:

When I play instruments in music therapy they make me feel happy. I am able to choose what I want to play and that makes me feel pleased. I also enjoy that I can play on my own and in groups on the piano, the bongo drums, the ukulele and sing along to different types of songs.

Jamal

Jamal now attends college, where he still has access to music therapy sessions. And for his 18th birthday his family gifted him his own piano, which he loves to play as much as he can.

Anetta says “Jamal went from a child who could not communicate and was hitting his head on floors, to hitting notes on a piano and connecting with others, thanks to music therapy. We couldn’t be more grateful to Nordoff and Robbins and all the music therapists who have supported him on his journey.”