Song Therapy Directory

Experienced sensitive musicians offering singing and music in the community and in social care


Somerset Julie Dowling                                   
Music and Movement Manager

Julie is 58 years of age and based in Chard, Somerset. 07759392725 Julie-dowling61@live.com

Julie currently leads a succesful Music and Movement class in Chard. She had previously joined a keep fit class and she soon realised that the pace of the activity might prove a challenge for some.

"I had joined a local keep fit class and by the time I had mastered one move the whole class was onto the next one ! This made me think about how someone with sensory processing challenges, a learning difficulty perhaps or a physical disability may feel. With that in mind I established my own class, Music and Movement, and tailored the class to be person centred, communicating at different levels, celebrating each individual's achievements, whatever they might be."

Singing and signing is part of the class and each person partakes as they choose.

"The aim is to move about, using 'feel good' music in any you wish and at your own pace ... and to have fun!"

Julie also sings and plays the acoustic guitar.

" I currently have interactive sessions for adults with learning difficulties in group settings but also provide one to one sessions too. It is important to me that people in life are provided opportunities to listen to and engage in live music.

"For some, accessing music in their community may not be an option.
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"For the future -I am particularly interested in social isolation, as in life, I feel this is something that affect us all. I would love to be involved in something locally if the opportunity arose."

Julie has supported people with learning difficulties /autism for twenty seven years and has studied Somerset Total Communication to co-ordinator level , using signs symbols and speech . She has also studied Intensive Interaction to Co –ordinator level.

Diploma Level Three in Health and Social Care.
Julie-dowling61@live.com
07759 392725

 

Somerset Nigel Neill                                   
Community music and song therapy

Nigel runs four community choirs in Taunton, Exeter, Tiverton and Minehead. He has worked closely with Parkinsons UK, Headway and Rethink. He is currently developing a music programme for SOMPAR NHS Trust in Somerset, to launch a little later this year.

BSc (Hons) Combined Science / Post Grad Cert Music and Health / Cert Counselling Skills (Level Four) 59 years old based in Taunton Somerset England   
01398 371291
  n.neill@btinternet.com

 

 

 

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