Music Therapy Well Underway at Mary Astell

Mary Astell Academy is very pleased to have a Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy student, Pippa Rous, working with some of our pupils this year.

Nordoff and Robbins is the UK’s largest music therapy charity, with a unique approach shaped by more than 60 years of practice. By harnessing the power of music, they help break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation.

Only six weeks into her placement, in time for World Music Therapy Day on the 1st of March, Pippa has already made a huge impact on some of our pupils. Children who have previously found communication difficult have really opened up in their musical interactions. Pupils are seen individually or in small groups and have the opportunity to express themselves in ensemble with others on keyboard, guitar, percussion, song and other instruments. These sessions can really make a difference to a person’s mental health, self-esteem and give a sense of belonging that they may not have encountered before.

We are so pleased that Pippa is working with our pupils until the end of the academic year.