Music helping children and adults with physical, sensory, or learning disabilities, people with mental health issues and young people in challenging circumstances
11 April 2011
Community Music East [CME] promotes opportunity, education and personal development through participation in music and media activities. The charity, based–in Norwich, has been helping a broad range of client groups in the community since it was set–up in 1985. As well as working with children and adults with physical, sensory, or learning disabilities, people with mental health issues and young people in challenging circumstances, CME offers an exciting program of courses open to the public.
Edited by Andy Porter editor@wellbeingnorfolk.co.uk
CME runs the Youth Music Action Zone [YMAZ] for Norfolk. As part of the YMAZ scheme, CME provides instrument or voice tuition for young people who are excluded or at risk of exclusion from school on a one–to–one basis. The project aims to re–engage young people with learning, get them motivated and raise their confidence and self–esteem.
Shannon, 14, was excluded from mainstream school in year–seven. When she came to CME in June 2010, she had been living in care homes and was attending Education Plus, Norfolk County Council’s provision for young people who are unable to manage school due to severe emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Shannon began weekly singing and song writing sessions with CME tutor Alan Southgate. She had already written some lyrics and melodies. Over several weeks they honed one of her songs, working on Shannon’s vocal delivery and harmonies. Alan added guitars and drums and recorded the song with Shannon, involving her in every stage of the recording process.
As well as building on her musical ability, Shannon was able to improve her teamwork and communication skills.
“I learned how to control my voice and became more confident in my voice and writing songs,” said Shannon. “Alan was always patient and would listen to my ideas as well as adding his own. It was good working with someone who really knows what they’re doing.”
Shannon’s lyrics tackle complex issues of messed–up relationships and mental health struggles. ‘Diva’ is about domestic violence and drug abuse. She talks about the imagery in her lyrics with passion and insight.
Six–months later Shannon went back into mainstream school, but continued her sessions at CME, which she said helped her settle–in to her new surroundings.
She said: “I’ve always been shy and I’ve struggled to keep focussed on things, but I felt comfortable at CME, doing something I enjoyed. My singing sessions set–me–up for the week, and I was able to go to school feeling more confident.”
In October 2010, Shannon performed at CME’s Youth Music Week showcase gig at OPEN in Norwich. Despite feeling nervous, she enjoyed performing to an audience, and said she would like to sing in public again, learn the guitar and join a band.
Now settled at school, and with a professional recording to remind her of her time at CME, Shannon wants to become a family lawyer or foster carer, using her life experiences to help other people overcome their challenges.
Names have been changed for anonymity.
Edited by Andy Porter editor@wellbeingnorfolk.co.uk
CME runs the Youth Music Action Zone [YMAZ] for Norfolk. As part of the YMAZ scheme, CME provides instrument or voice tuition for young people who are excluded or at risk of exclusion from school on a one–to–one basis. The project aims to re–engage young people with learning, get them motivated and raise their confidence and self–esteem.
Shannon, 14, was excluded from mainstream school in year–seven. When she came to CME in June 2010, she had been living in care homes and was attending Education Plus, Norfolk County Council’s provision for young people who are unable to manage school due to severe emotional and behavioural difficulties.Shannon began weekly singing and song writing sessions with CME tutor Alan Southgate. She had already written some lyrics and melodies. Over several weeks they honed one of her songs, working on Shannon’s vocal delivery and harmonies. Alan added guitars and drums and recorded the song with Shannon, involving her in every stage of the recording process.
As well as building on her musical ability, Shannon was able to improve her teamwork and communication skills.“I learned how to control my voice and became more confident in my voice and writing songs,” said Shannon. “Alan was always patient and would listen to my ideas as well as adding his own. It was good working with someone who really knows what they’re doing.”
Shannon’s lyrics tackle complex issues of messed–up relationships and mental health struggles. ‘Diva’ is about domestic violence and drug abuse. She talks about the imagery in her lyrics with passion and insight.
Six–months later Shannon went back into mainstream school, but continued her sessions at CME, which she said helped her settle–in to her new surroundings.She said: “I’ve always been shy and I’ve struggled to keep focussed on things, but I felt comfortable at CME, doing something I enjoyed. My singing sessions set–me–up for the week, and I was able to go to school feeling more confident.”
In October 2010, Shannon performed at CME’s Youth Music Week showcase gig at OPEN in Norwich. Despite feeling nervous, she enjoyed performing to an audience, and said she would like to sing in public again, learn the guitar and join a band.
Now settled at school, and with a professional recording to remind her of her time at CME, Shannon wants to become a family lawyer or foster carer, using her life experiences to help other people overcome their challenges.
Names have been changed for anonymity.
Community Music East provides music and multimedia activities for a diverse range of people around Norfolk. The charity promotes learning activity through creative participation, to local people who are educationally, culturally, socially or economically disadvantaged. For more information visit website at: www.cme.org.uk. Telephone: 01603 628367.
