Simon’s Story

After a series of traumatic family bereavements, loss of job and an arson attack on his family home, Simon’s life began spiralling out of control, with little meaning or structure to be found anywhere. This included being homeless for four years and living a very solitary and isolated life.

Simon was referred to music therapy by his key worker in the hope that engaging in meaningful activity would help him experience positive social engagement again.

His music therapist Oli said: “From the early sessions, it was clear that songs were a strong part of Simon’s musical biography and working with me, he began to develop a songbook of well-known favourites, new songs and original material.

“In the video below I am accompanying Simon singing Let It Be and using a variety of musical aspects such as touch and dynamics, tempo, to match Simon’s expression of the song, his intentionality, his physicality and the tone and timbre within his voice.”

With Oli’s help Simon has been improvising and exploring through music which has built his confidence and self-esteem and brought him wider social health benefits. Simon said: “The music therapy sessions are something to look forward to every week and I get real pleasure out of the music. It’s good to do new things especially now being part of a music group!”