"Where words fail music speaks” H. Ch. Andersen

The quote conveys the idea that music is one of the greatest ways to express feelings without words.

Music sessions enable pupils to create musical experiences through instrument play, movement to music, singing and vocalizing. These experiences are focused on speech, physical, learning and/or behavioural goals.

Instead of using words to communicate, they can use a range of music activities such as: singing, playing instruments, improvising, song writing and listening to music.

Music therapy can be a fantastic way to support children’s development whilst they have fun.

Through music therapy children can learn to identify and express their feelings in a structured and enjoyable manner.

As a part of a music therapy at CPA I have a pleasure to deliver a piano session to our students.

I am a qualified musician with a master's degree in music from the University in Hull and with a grade 7 in piano at Trinity College London.

The piano music activities enable pupils to explore different sounds on acoustic (as well as electric keyboards) while providing lots of fun and laughter. Playing the piano also helps young people to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Piano sessions also aid in improving pupils' attention, concentration, and memory – particularly verbal memory – and build good habits like focus and perseverance, diligence and creativity.

Piano is a very friendly instrument to young people. It is easy to approach, and does not demand too much from pupils to play their favourite songs or melodies, which makes them feel happy :)

However, most importantly playing piano decreases students' stress and anxiety and increases their happiness, boosting their confidence and self-esteem as they learn and master new pieces of music

Mrs Malgorzata Martynowicz

Here are some quotes from our pupils who have taken part -

"I love the rhythm"

"Music helps me relax"

"When I am upset I play on the bongo. It helps me"