Hadrian School

Music therapy allows our children to have a voice, and to control what happens during a session. This is very empowering for them.

Hadrian School

Hadrian School is based in Newcastle. The school caters for the needs of primary-aged pupils with a range of additional needs. This includes complex and severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Our partnership began in 2013, with music deeply embedded in Hadrian School’s curriculum. Music therapy has served as a vehicle for communication for many children at the school. In addition, sessions are a source of stimulus, encouraging pupils to dance, run and move their bodies.

The curriculum at Hadrian School centres around carrying out experiences with the children. This approach is rather than having experiences ‘done’ to pupils. Music therapy epitomises this ethos, empowering pupils during sessions.  Pupils can engage in meaningful interaction during music therapy sessions, where they are the driving force.

Many of the children at Hadrian access music therapy through group sessions of up to twelve individuals. This affords the opportunity to balance the individual focus a child may need with a sense of belonging to a group and the music going on around them. Through group music, children also have the chance to share their individuality and creativity with other children and staff. 

Music therapy is a part of the curriculum for Rajveer, a pupil at Hadrian School. A staff member at the school described that Rajveer is communicative and motivated during sessions. Music therapy has supported his autonomy, motivating him to stand up independently using furniture to balance himself. After standing, he is able to make choices about what instrument he would like to play during music therapy.

In music therapy sessions it’s been important to meet Rajveer in whatever mood he is in, be that high-energy or calm. This helps Rajveer realise his connection to the music. In sessions he is able to make musical choices and further explore his abilities and the world around him.

It’s been amazing to see how music therapy has calmed Rajveer down when he has been dysregulated. It has also stimulated him when he has been unmotivated or lethargic throughout a day

Music therapy sessions have supported children at Hadrian School in experiencing meaningful connection. Importantly, it has also encouraged their autonomy, and helped to enrich their lives.

We produced this story in partnership with Hadrian School.