‘’If music be the food of love, play on…’’
Quoted from Shakespeare’s play ‘Twelfth Night’ it is clear to see that music is a universal medium through which individuals or groups can communicate regardless of age, gender, background or culture…and the same goes for the children here at ThembaCare, Athlone.
On a daily basis you’ll hear the sounds of the Television in the playroom playing a DVD of different nursery rhymes and songs and when you pop your head into the play area you will find the older kids dancing or trying to mimic the sounds and words of the songs and the smaller ones clapping their hands or swaying to the music.
But Thursdays are a little more special because on Thursdays Karyn (pictured), a qualified music therapist, comes in for the morning to TCA and provides individual and group music sessions for the children. So one would hear the sounds of a guitar, tambourines and shakers among other instruments being used.
Karyn works for a Non-Profit Organisation called The Music Therapy Community Clinic (MTCC) which provides music therapy services to previously disadvantaged and underprivileged communities and individuals. (www.music-therapy.org.za)
With our children having been through traumatic experiences not of their choosing, music therapy helps foster trust and allows them to have a say… a choice. From what instrument to play, singing songs with their names, taking their cues for how loud or soft the music should be, to choice of words and sounds, it helps give them a voice. It develops their sense of self, independence and offers the space to connect and engage with others through creative musical play. It helps the children feel validated and important. The impact of this validation is evident not only in the sessions, but flows over into the playroom where you’ll sometimes hear the children singing the hello song to each other’s, or see a child who is usually withdrawn begin to find his playfulness as he chooses to play with the others. It’s wonderful to see the children progress, no matter how big or small the milestone that is reached!
