Romano’s story

After every session, Romano runs over to me and gives me a big hug. When we leave, he skips down the road with a big smile on his face, singing the songs.

Tina, Romano’s mum

Singing at the Royal Albert Hall would be an impressive achievement for anyone. For 18-year-old Romano, it was nothing short of extraordinary.

At two years old, Romano was diagnosed with autism, global developmental delay and dyspraxia. By five, he was still not speaking, but his mother Tina noticed that something special happened whenever there was music on TV – he would try to form words and sing along. Little did she realise where these first notes would take them.

When Romano encountered difficulties in day-to-day life, Tina found that singing helped calm him. But it was starting music therapy with Nordoff and Robbins at the age of six that really changed things, giving Romano the chance to express himself and opening up a world of possibility.

To begin with, Romano found playing even the most basic percussion parts impossible. But gradually, with encouragement from his music therapists, he learned to follow a beat, tap out a rhythm, even lead his class in a drum session.

Over time, Romano’s improved co-ordination has helped his walking, running and throwing skills, while learning to sing has given him the confidence to speak in front of new people.

Standing onstage at the Royal Albert Hall, singing a version of Latch by Disclosure (feat. Sam Smith), Romano’s passion came through loud and clear.  

Inspired by one of Romano’s music therapy sessions, the 2021 performance was put together by Grammy-nominated director Nicolas Jack Davies, and featured the House Gospel Choir, Nordoff and Robbins Choir and Gorillaz pianist Mike Smith.   

But music therapy isn’t just about the big breakthroughs, it’s also about the everyday wins.