Emmie’s story

Emmie has grown in confidence through music therapy, with the freedom to take the lead

Emmie is six years old and has Down’s syndrome. When she first started out at school, Emmie experienced extreme separation anxiety. After her mum dropped her off at school, she would spend each morning crying.

Emmie was referred to music therapy by her classroom teacher, who hoped that it could help to build her confidence in relationships, as well as her independence.

Emmie takes part in sessions with music therapist Nicky. At first, Emmie would attend music therapy with a member of staff and would become upset if they were to leave. Now she comes on her own with confidence and embraces her time at music therapy.

Music therapy is really enabling Emmie to develop in confidence, as well as her creativity

Emmie’s classroom teacher

Emmie and Nicky’s ‘shake and stop’ song is one of Emmie’s favourite songs to sing each week. And it is through this song that her growth in confidence is clear.

Emmie enjoys taking the lead on the shake and stop song, vocalising the instructions and even using physical gestures to improvise the song structure. This is particularly significant as Emmie has delayed speech, and leading in this way empowers her to control the direction of the song. Emmie’s anxiety during sessions has lessened, as she is keen to arrange her and Nicky’s chairs in close proximity in preparation to sing the song together.

Music therapy has provided Emmie with the opportunity to experience an intimate musical relationship where she is both respected and valued as an equal participant. And her musical partnership with Nicky enables her to grow her confidence and autonomy in a safe space, through music.