The joy of music

Music is surely one of the most powerful and universal communications media of all – particularly for a group of special young New Zealanders with significant disabilities.

Each week, more than 100 children aged from birth to school age are consolidating, integrating and expanding their development through music at the Champion Centre in Christchurch. Administered by the Christchurch Early Intervention Trust, it takes a multidisciplinary approach to early intervention, with some remarkable results.

For example, Margaret was born very premature and is still frail at four and a half years old. When she arrived at the Centre she could barely produce more than a whisper, but when singing an echo song with her Mum she now sounds clear and confident. Another student, Tom, was always a proud performer but no one could understand what he said, so he was frustrated and overwhelmed. This is hard to believe when you hear him now, assigning dramatic roles to the adults, telling everyone what to do and banging drums. Meanwhile, Chris needs to be calmed by music and responds well when he rolls over the Swiss ball on his tummy while music specialist Julie sings a gentle rocking song. While the moments of calm are rare now, Chris will find it easier to get into a calm space when he understands the rhythm and pulse of his body.

The music programme at the Champion Centre is a place where listening, communication, physical, and cognitive skills are developed through play – a process that brings joy to both children and parents.