Connection Through Music and Laughter

Today marked the first music therapy group session at Robertson House! The attendees came into the room to find a circle of chairs with a collection of different musical instruments in the centre. The children were quick to explore the instruments, shaking shakers and banging drums. Together the group members chose instruments to engage with and began playing. Group members laughed and smiled at one another while playing musical games to get warmed up to the space. Once we all became familiar with the instruments, we improvised music together as a group. As the music progressed and the group members appeared to gain more confidence in their playing, they began to play louder and with more musical complexity. Group members had an opportunity to play a musical solo while the group accompanied on their instruments, the solos sounded great and everyone had something different they created. When asked if they wanted to continue playing or listen to music instead, the group decided to keep playing. We discussed how we wanted the last musical piece to sound, group members said they wanted to make something that sounded happy and joyful. The music was accompanied with smiling faces and enthusiastic playing, a moment of connection through live music making.