HMS is national leader in inclusive music making, and we deliver innovative research with a refreshed development team across the county. Through our national Changing Tracks project we have developed models of instrumental music teaching that further support vulnerable students.
We continue to develop music education provision that delivers personal, emotional and social outcomes for students as well as a great musical experience.
Our ground-breaking Creative Music Nurture Group approach is now being rolled out across Hertfordshire and other parts of the country to offer students identified by school SENCOs the chance to take part in creative, pupil led music sessions.
With a rising number of students with additional needs and/or an EHCP in mainstream and special schools, we are committed to supporting all schools with a variety of creative and pupil-led musical activities that improve outcomes for your students with additional learning needs.
In order to achieve this ambition, HMS continues to develop new and exciting hub partnerships to create more music making opportunities for all students with special educational needs. to find out how HMS can help your school with this work, contact HMSInclusion@hertfordshire.gov.uk for more information.
Back to topMusic therapy
Cost: For a bespoke price, please complete the request form.
HMS provides music therapy as part of its wide range of opportunities for all young people in the county.
Music Therapy is one of the Creative Arts Psychotherapies and therapists work through the formation of a trusting musical relationship with the pupil.
It is like counselling, except that music is the main way of communicating. Sessions are therefore confidential but we do write assessments and other reports for EHCPs of a general nature where appropriate.
Music Therapists work with young people experiencing a range of difficulties, which might include:
- Learning difficulties
- Communication difficulties
- Emotional difficulties
- Attachment issues
- Behavioural difficulties
- Loss and bereavement
- Distressing, traumatic experiences
- Physical or co-ordination problems
Music Therapy is especially valuable for young people who have difficulties with verbal communication or who might not feel comfortable using counselling sessions.
Our music therapy partners
We have established strong partnership agreements with Chiltern Music Therapy, Soundworking and Hadham-Music Therapy, all of which are renowned for their excellence in providing music therapy services. They have a skilled team of professionals who can provide the same level of care and expertise that you have come to expect from us.
www.soundworking.com
Chiltern Music Therapy Website Home Page
www.hadham-musictherapy.co.uk
What does a music therapist do?
A music therapist forms a musical relationship with a young person through improvised music making. A variety of musical instruments is available in the room, such as drums, cymbals, xylophones, usually a piano and guitar, and maybe some smaller instruments such as tambourines, shakers and bells. The therapist will also usually sing. The pupil will be supported to make music through which they can express themselves.
Will students learn musical skills?
The role of the music therapist is to form a musical relationship with the young person, rather than teach musical skills. However, improvised music making forms an essential part of this process and students usually gain confidence and improved co-ordination, listening and rhythmic skills - all essential musical skills.
Who are music therapists?
Music therapists are professionally qualified, and state registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, which ensures that they are competent to practise. They are experienced in working in educationwith children and young people and have all been through thorough pre-employment checks including the DBS.
How long will the music therapy sessions last?
An hour is allowed for each session with about 30 – 40 minutes of actual contact time, depending on the age of the young person. It takes time to form a therapeutic trusting relationship with a pupil, especially if they have a number of difficulties, so the therapist would usually expect to work with them for a minimum of two terms and possibly for over a year.
If you would like to discuss your requirements for music therapy, please request this service in the online request form.
Back to topCreative music nurture groups
Cost: £594 per term , (11 sessions).
The cost per term includes an allocation of time for preparing each project, gaining a good understanding of the students involved and regular liaison with school staff and the SENCO, organising instruments and providing feedback sessions with the school, families and HMS.
HMS is national leader in musical inclusion practice, and we deliver innovative research through our leadership of the Changing Tracks project. Through this project we have developed models of instrumental music teaching that further support vulnerable students.
We continue to develop music education provision that delivers personal, emotional and social outcomes for students as well as a great musical experience.
Our ground-breaking Creative Music Nurture Group approach is now being rolled out across Hertfordshire and other parts of the country to offer students identified by school SENCOs the chance to take part in creative, pupil led music sessions.
The intended outcomes of these sessions are:
- Active listening skills
- Attention and impulse control
- Confidence and motivation
- Co-ordination and fine motor skills
- Emotional resilience
- Independent learning skills
- Learning and memory
- Musical skills
- Musical community
- Social skills
School SENCOs are asked to suggest students who would benefit from this type of provision to learn in small groups with one of our specialist teachers.
Other services and opportunities available include one to one music based mentoring to prevent exclusion of students, or to help students reintegrate back into school after exclusion.
If your school has students who would benefit from any of the services above, or if you would like to discuss any other ideas you might have, please emails HMSInclusion HMSInclusion@hertfordshire.gov.uk