Learning difficulties

All Autism Brain injury and neurological Dementia and older age Fundraising partners Learning difficulties Life circumstances and grief Medical and life-limiting illness Mental health Music therapy partners Our clients Our team

A selection of handheld bell instruments in bright red, yellow, orange, pink and blue are on top of a table next to a tambourine. The background of the image is deliberately blurred but there are some people sat down in front of a window.

Ellie’s story

22-year-old Ellie lives in a supported accommodation for adults with learning disabilities. She can find it difficult to interact with others and maintain her interest during activities - but in music therapy, she flourishes.

A child holds a beater above a xylophone instrument atop a table.

Jada’s story

Jada is sixteen, and has Down Syndrome and is autistic. Music therapy sessions offered a safe space where she could express herself freely - helping to support her emotional regulation and concentration, as well as her motivation to engage in other things.

James’ story

James is 14 years old and has cerebral palsy, visual impairment and learning difficulties. For two and a half years, James has been making music at his school in London, with Nordoff and Robbins music therapist Sam.

A young client and music therapist sit together at a piano, playing music together during music therapy.

Niam’s story

Niam is 10 years old and has Down syndrome which affects his coordination and ability to communicate. But in music therapy, he can express himself freely.

A person reaches out their hand to play music on a drum, which sits in a room full of musical instruments

Freddie’s story

Music therapy helped Freddie, who is autistic and has ADHD, to grow in confidence, both in his musical abilities and in himself.

Pieces of paper sit on top of a keyboard. The first contains musical notes, with "Rise Up" written at the top. Underneath is a lyric sheet, with the first line reading "We're sharing a Christmas".

Oliver’s story

Oliver is a smiley four year old who has cerebral palsy. He appeared to enjoy music, so, he began music therapy at nursery in the hope that it would help him to flourish.

During music therapy, a pair of hands holds up and play an electric guitar.

Harry’s story

Music therapy is helping Harry, who has learning difficulties and complex needs, to maintain his focus and grow in confidence.

Jackson vocalises with music therapist Kate during a music therapy session.

Jackson’s story

With limited ways to communicate, moments of closeness and connection may be quite rare for Jackson. But through music, he is heard.

Two people play the drum and tambourine during a music therapy session at NELFT Memory Clinic, one of our partner organisations.

Edward’s story

Music therapy has given Edward, who has Down’s Syndrome and dementia, a space to re-embrace his outgoing nature, and connect with others.

A young client sits down to play music on the piano as they take part in music therapy at one of our partner organisations

Lucas’ story

Music therapy provides a safe space for Lucas, who has autism and ADHD, to express himself and connect with others.

A young client gets ready to make music using a symbol, as they take part in music therapy with a group.

Emmie’s story

For four-year-old Emmie, music therapy has helped to ease her anxiety. She embraces her autonomy, leading musical sessions with confidence.

Harvey holds a tambourine during a music therapy session

Harvey’s story

Harvey is autistic, and has ADHD and sensory issues. Music therapy has helped to give him a voice, and a space for him to be himself.

Hadrian School

Music therapy has offered pupils at Hadrian School aid in communication. It has encouraged their autonomy, and helped to enrich their lives.

Janet happily smiles during a music therapy session at Enable Glasgow, as she shakes a pair of maracas.

Janet’s story

By bringing the participants closer together, music therapy has also increased Janet’s ability to interact with the people who support her at home.

Charlie looks to the ceiling as he blows into a small silver horn, with music therapist Stella singing alongside him.

Charlie’s story

Charlie can’t wait for music therapy every week. It’s helped him to engage with school activities and the staff often use singing to encourage Charlie.

Enable Glasgow

Enable Glasgow is a supported living service for adults. It provides support to 22 residents with learning disabilities, dementia and autism.

During a music therapy session, a music therapist sits down to play music on an acoustic guitar

Parkstone Connect Day Centre

Parkstone Connect Day Centre is a day service for adults in the local community with a wide range of support needs. Its aim is to improve lives and build independence by promoting an inclusive and empowering environment.

Someone sits down with other people to play music on a small drum, as they take part in a music therapy session

Hockley Skills Development Centre

Hockley Skills Development Centre is a day centre run by Birmingham City Council that supports nearly 100 people with a range of learning and physical disabilities.