Music

At first glance a weak arm may seem a considerable hindrance to playing a musical instrument, but many instruments can be played with one hand, or hands of differing strengths, and the pleasure of music making may actually encourage the child to make more use of the affected hand. It can also increase self-confidence, and help general co-ordination and social development.

The aim of this information sheet is to give parents/carers and teachers some ideas for helping a child with hemiplegia who wants to learn a specific instrument. However, there are many other opportunities for children to enjoy group musical activities at home, school, youth clubs and other organisations.

Once you have chosen your instrument, it is of course important to find a teacher who will welcome the challenge of teaching a child with special needs. The National Music and Disability Service (NMDIS) (see below for details) should be able to help you find a suitable teacher through its database of local Community Music Associations.

Instruments

Instruments suitable for playing by a child with hemiplegia include:

• percussion: many percussion instruments can be played with one hand or hands of differing strengths
• piano and keyboard: there is a good deal of music for one handed players available through the NMDIS (see below). On a keyboard, the stronger hand can play the melody and the additional part can be programmed in.
• violin, viola, guitar: stringed instruments can be strung to suit either right or left handers, the weaker hand being used for bowing or strumming. However, this requires a reasonable amount of control over the affected hand, and so will not be suitable for all children.
• cornet, trumpet, horn, French horn, trombone, euphonium: These instruments are some of the most suitable for children and young people with hemiplegia. If the weaker hand cannot support, slings and stands are available through Remap (see below).
• recorders: Dolmetsch make a one-handed recorder which some children have been trying with great success. They cost around £200, but Reach (the Association for Children with Hand or Arm deficiency) has a loan scheme for members at £15 per annum plus a £15 deposit. Membership of Reach costs £20. See www.reach.org.uk for details. A cheaper alternative would be a modified tin whistle - instructions available from NMDIS (see below).
• voice: It may seem obvious, but the voice is one instrument that all children can develop. Singing can increase a child's confidence and if they join a choir, their social skills. There are thousands of choirs across the country. Get in touch with your local music service council for more details.

Useful addresses

The National Music and Disability Information Service, Sound Sense, 7 Tavern Street, Stowmarket IP14 1PJ
Tel: 01449 673990 Fax: 01449 673994
Email: info@soundsense.org
Web: www.soundsense.org
A mine of information and advice on all aspects of music and disability. Amongst the services they offer are:

• an extensive library and database of contacts
• a stock of publications and information sheets
• a catalogue of piano scores for one hand, some of which they stock
• instructions on modifying a tin whistle for one-handed playing
• contact with experts who will modify instruments to individual needs
• advice on finding local music groups for children with disabilities or on starting such a group yourself
• information about grants towards the cost of tuition fees or the purchase of an instrument

Living My Song
www.livingmysong.org.uk
Dedicated to exploring ways in which everyone can discover and express their own musical personality. Links to other useful websites.

Remap
D9 Chaucer Business Park, Kemsing, TN15 6YU.
Tel: 0845 1300 456
Fax: 0845 1300 789
Email: data@remap.org.uk
Web: www.remap.org.uk
Remodels existing equipment for people with disabilities.

Dolmetsch
Dolmetsch Musical Instruments, 1b, Unicorn Trading Estate, Weydown Road, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1DN.
Tel: 01428 643235
Fax: 08700 560 190
Email: brian@dolmetsch.com
Web: www.dolmetsch.com

Landon Chamber Ensemble
Tel: 07904 228 455
Email: info@landonensemble.com
Web: www.landonensemble.com
Classical music ensemble, and providers of HemiHelp's music workshop leaders.

Musical Keys, 4 Kingsley Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 3RB
Tel: 01603 622699
Email: musical.keys@virgin.net
Web: www.musicalkeys.org
The administrator is Sallie Eastick 01603 405858
Registered Charity No. 1010218
Registered Address: 32 Ash Grove, Norwich, NR3 4BE
A registered charity set up by one of our members, offering musical activities to young children with special needs and their brothers and sisters. They can give advice on setting up a similar local group.

Tonalis Music
Tonalis Music Centre, 4 Castle Farm Close, Leighterton, Gloucestershire, GL8 8LY
Tel / Fax: 01666 890460
Email: info@tonalismusic.co.uk
Web: www.tonalismusic.co.uk
Runs music therapy and education courses, and widely promotes music therapy.

The Orpheus Centre
North Park Lane, Godstone, Surrey RH9 8ND
Tel: 01883 744 664
Fax: 01883 744 994
Email: enquiries@orpheus.org.uk
Web: www.orpheus.org.uk
An inclusive performing arts centre that provides opportunities for personal development through the performing arts and other learning experiences for young disabled adults with a physical impairment and / or learning need.

HemiHelp Music Workshops

HemiHelp Music Workshops have been designed by HemiHelp and the Landon Ensemble, to encourage children with hemiplegia to play music, and to strengthen both the mind and body through playing musical instruments.

These workshops are led by professional musicians, and give the children (and parents) a chance to make music together. They also give children the opportunity to listen to demonstrations of instruments and find out what instruments work best for them. As well as being an interactive and educational experience, they also a fun day for all the family!

Workshops are being organised around the UK. To find out what's happening near you, and for more information, please see our Music workshops page or contact us.