I am writing to you regarding a new music group I am setting up
for people with learning difficulties (from dyslexia, asperger's,
down's, etc). It is a group that provides orchestral/ensemble playing
for people who play instruments but may need extra help within the
group.
This group was set up as a result of me being involved with
'Melody' (www.melody.me.uk ), which is an
organisation that promotes instrumental teaching for people with
learning difficulties. My brother has benefited enormously through
learning to play the piano and to sing. I also noticed that many
children and young people are excluded from mainstream youth orchestras
and ensembles as a result of their difficulties, as well as not having
the opportunity to learn instruments in the first place.
This is why I am setting up this project, along with other
graduates from the Royal Northern College of Music. We all have teaching
experiences and are all professional performers. This project has the
backing of the RNCM.
We also offer individual instrumental lessons (all instruments),
which are arranged privately with parents or school. The venue for the
orchestra sessions is still to be confirmed, but it will be around the
Manchester area. Even if individuals cannot come to the sessions, it
would be great if there was any interest in learning instruments.
This is the layout of the project:
One evening a week: Under 16s have orchestra session for 1 hour,
then general music group which will be led by a group of percussionists
(also for non-instrumentalists).
Another evening will be for Over 16s.
We have an Open Day on Sunday 10th December at 1pm-3pm at Studio
5, Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester. This
will be an opportunity to find out more about the project and talk to
the tutors. A professional pianist called Duncan Honeybourne, who has
Asperger's Syndrome, is coming to do a mini concert and talk to people
about his experiences.
I'd be grateful if you could pass on this information onto any
other organisations and group that may be interested in it.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further
information.
Thank you very much for your help.
Noriko Tsuzaki