Charlie’s story
Music therapy is helping Charlie to thrive at school and form relationships despite complex educational needs.
13-year-old Charlie has complex educational needs and attends an additional needs support school. The class activities and structure of school life were difficult for Charlie to access, and he found the day frustrating and dispiriting.
But Charlie loves music and dance, and was excited at the prospect of trying music therapy. In Charlie’s first session, he hit different instruments with a beater, and did his signature wiggle dance, but he kept saying that he wanted to go home. The session lasted for two minutes.
As time went on, Stella, his music therapist, started to understand Charlie better. Stella realised that Charlie’s body was engaging fully with the music, but his mind was restless because he didn’t feel in control. “I considered how to offer Charlie stronger experiences of leadership to help him feel a sense of agency over his time in the music room,” she explains.
Stella wrote a song especially for Charlie, featuring the lyrics. “Charlie’s in the music room, what will he do next?”. As he learnt the song, Charlie started to take great delight in showing Stella which instrument he was going to play next. Gradually, Charlie became less anxious about going home, and started to sing along, “Hello, hello, look at me! Charlie’s in the music room today!”
Fast-forward a year, and Charlie can’t wait for music therapy every week. It’s helped him to engage with school activities and the staff often use singing to encourage Charlie. He’s even started bringing his favourite songs to Stella, and created his own goodbye tune for the end of every session.
It’s a joy to watch Charlie take ownership of music as a big part of his life and a privilege to share his favourite part of the week with him. I look forward to seeing what Charlie will do next!
Stella, Charlie’s music therapist