Testimonials

Music Therapy has the ability to transform lives. Read the testimonials of parents, carers, teachers and disability workers who have seen first-hand the impact music therapy can have….. 

I truly believe that Erin’s music therapy was responsible for the success of her health, physical and cognitive improvements. I have had this noted in her clinical notes and explained her therapy to the myriad of her doctors. We still have a way to go but the improvements are still happening inch by inch. If you were to meet Erin now, you may not know that she had a stroke – I attribute this to Robin’s belief and support from others at the Centre.

Christine Regan

(Mother of Erin)

Music therapy targets students with disabilities and students deemed at risk of failure to engage in literacy and numeracy learning and/or attendance at school.

There is qualitative and quantitative data that students at the school participating in weekly 30 minute sessions over a period of six to twelve months have shown great improvement in their academic and social development. In particular there has been:

• decreased discipline referrals particularly in regard to aggressive behaviour
• increased self esteem and confidence
• improved attendance
• enhanced motor skills and ability to work with other students as a team member
• improved levels of concentration that transferred directly to other curriculum areas such as literacy and numeracy
• improved communication skills – in particular expressive and receptive language skills.

Most students that discontinued from the program after six months have retained their music therapy benefits by demonstrating their maintenance of high self esteem; their engagement in the curriculum; their school attendance; and their reduced aggression.

Sue Connell

Principal

Hebersham Public School

Feedback on music therapy with children with Emotional Disorder / Behaviour Disorder within a NSW Public School.

• Students have thoroughly engaged with the Music Therapy program and wait in anticipation for each Friday to arrive. I get asked questions all week about whether Rob is coming
• student engagement in the classroom has increased for the students over the year and all have made some academic progress
• Development of self confidence and ability in all students. As a result of the program 2 of the 7 students have joined the school choir
• Students now display a genuine love of music and desire to perform. This might not sound so amazing but they have all come such a long way. We covered different styles of music and played a range of instruments which broadened their musical knowledge. Rob was flexible to their needs. Helen also presented a beautiful cultural song that was a lovely change of pace for the kids.

It is hard to put everything that has happened into words. It is truly amazing. Rob just plays music and he creates these beautiful lyrics and sings along. All this at 9 years old. Not bad. This is what the program has done for the kids. It has given some kids that experience family hardships and socio-economic disadvantage every day of their life an opportunity to not only experience something special and new but to also demonstrate some extreme (previously hidden) talents that have the potential to go far. Thank you so much for giving our kids this chance.

I would also like to commend Rob on the fabulous work that he has done with the kids. He is so multi talented and the kids just thrived on this. They covered a range of singing, playing and performing activities each week. As the year passed the things the kids were producing were amazing. One week just built on the next and they got better all the time.

Chris Payne

Assistant Principal

Hebersham Public School

2009

This project has been of great benefit to all those that attended. Many have commented that “this is great” and just to see the change in the group from the first session, choosing their instruments, listening to instructions, and concentrating. It has been a really positive experience for the group and day centre staff. We feel very privileged to be working in partnership with the Golden Stave Music Centre.

Mavis Mumford, WAHS

(Aged Care 1 project)

The program has undoubtedly benefited the many families who have attended the sessions and is evidenced by the positive responses in the Evaluation Forms and verbal comments made to staff on their return from the group. Staff have also been unanimous in their support and commitment to the success of the project. It is clear that programs such as these do contribute towards building positive attachments between parents and their child/ren. The use of music is accessible to all parents in various forms. This group has provided parents who are often stressed and sleep deprived with practical ideas / experience in having fun with their child/ren.

Leanne Daggar, Tresillian

(Mothers & Young Children project)

• Staff gained further knowledge in providing meaningful music and movement experiences with young children

• The staff and parents had demonstrated to them how to stimulate and encourage the children to vocalise and produce sounds and communicate through singing and music which is something that the children in our program have difficulty with
• The parent/child interactions during the music therapy sessions appeared to be happy and interacting positively. Parents were able to engage in turn taking with their child. They were able to allow their child to explore playing with sound through singing and playing instruments
• The children had fun and had the opportunity to learn and participate through all of the experiences provided in the program
• The children were actively encouraged to join in no matter what their abilities are.

Bernadette Mitchell, KU Children’s Services

(Mothers & Young Children project, 2005)

I have to say for me having seen Marks story really for possibly the first time confirmed why music therapy is such an important aspect of our guys’ service.  Don’t get me wrong, I have always believed very strongly in the power that music has and its ability to bring people together (communication), also it’s calming and comforting ability, it’s ability to excite and “rally the troops”, or even to instil fear .......music is one of our first memories and I don’t doubt for a lot of people possibly the last. I know that music makes a difference in all our lives on some level......but to actually SEE not only the physical changes in how Mark responded, but to see the changes that may not be evident to everyone all the time such as his leaning in close to listen and take his “cue” when it was his turn, the “smile” that was in his eyes.....and to see him build trust and friendship with the therapist, that was what was exciting for me.....to SEE how the lives of the people I care about (the guy’s in my service) can be and no doubt are enhanced, that’s what got the tears welling in me !!

If more people could see what we saw the other night I think music therapy would be an important part of everyone’s life experience regardless of ability (really we all have some level of “dis”ability),  but I think our guys are an excellent starting point !!!

Please pass on my thanks to everyone at the centre for giving me the opportunity to peer inside the music room and see what it is that excites and motivates them.

Toni Osaghue

Team Leader

Sunnyfield St Mary’s

May 2010

I enjoyed sharing Terri's music therapy experience with the Japanese family who were visitng the centre today. They were lovely people and very interested in the benefits of music therapy and how it helps in so many areas of Terri's life.

I explained to Terri how she has the power to help many people from around the world by sharing her music therapy sessions as people will learn about music therapy and its benefits then take that information back to their own community and use it there to help more people. She seemed happy to have helped them.

As I was explaining this to Terri it made me feel so good that she has the power to help so many people and I began thinking about how that help has been in so many ways over the years. Terri has been involved in changing laws, sharing her learning experiences, changing the rules on how some organisations operate, and sharing her music therapy with students and with visitors and how that then helps others to go and help many more people. It is an incredible power for one young lady to have!

Thanks for everything that the centre does for Terri. We really appreciate it greatly.

Cheryl O’Brien

(Mother of Terri)

April 2012