Edward’s story

Through meaningful musical interactions, Edward can express himself freely.

Edward is 66 years old and has Down’s Syndrome and dementia. He lives in Collisdene Care Home for adults with learning difficulties, where he began taking part in weekly one to one music therapy sessions.

When he was younger, Edward had an active social life and was very outgoing. Always the life and soul of the party, he loved to get up on stage to sing and dance.

Today, Edward’s vision is limited, and he is restricted in his movement, often using a wheelchair to move about the building. His health can sometimes impact his more natural social nature and he can need more encouragement and support to meaningfully engage in group situations. People still sometimes see the old Edward at parties, where he still loves being offered a microphone. And Edward continues to love listening to music. It was this love of listening to music, that led to his beginning of music therapy sessions with Claire.

During sessions Edward usually loves to play the piano, which he shares with music therapist Claire. He also loves to sing which he enjoys doing in a free, improvised way. Edward can match pitch when he’s singing, and his musical exchanges with Claire allow him to be musically and vocally expressive. Although songs are sometimes used in sessions, using free vocal sounds allow Edward more space to express himself and to communicate, through music.

Through the music Edward is supported to be his full dynamic, expressive, creative self.

Claire, Edward’s Music Therapist

Music therapy has allowed Edward to express himself fully and freely in a way that he can connect with and clearly loves. Through positive and meaningful musical interactions with Claire, he is heard and acknowledged. The benefits of this have been noticed by staff members at the home, as described by Claire below.

The activities coordinator at the home, Rosie, had said that she had never seen anyone so obviously get so much from the music therapy sessions, and with such a huge impact. She found it really amazing.

Claire, Edward’s Music Therapist