Darren Poyzer (RSS)

A few gigs added to the Autumn list ...

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:41:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

hey hey, please do check out a few new gigs added for the Autumn season ... by no means an extensive list this year, but enough to keep us busy :-)

as always, nice one, dp x

Our House - Watch Online!

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com
Our House Season 2 - 2009

Our House!
Poyzer's summer tele session, now to view above, Six 10 Repeater are the band also featured and it's damn fine ...
Check out Our House on Facebook or at www.ourhouse-manchester.co.uk
Check out Six10Repeater at www.myspace.com/six10repeater
dp x

Washing Machine: New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

"Time, the gift, holds no guarantees ..."
Please pardon the 'self'; I have a new collection to promote and this muse is from one of my own called 'So In Love With You'.

From crawling and pushing for those first steps, to being amongst the smallest in school, to striking out of class, to that whole bigger life thing where you travel, pitch and prepare to embrace the amazing things, maybe never realising they were embracing you throughout; from your birth, through the here and now, to some future tumble and crawl.

I wonder if somewhere, in a Douglas Adam book maybe, there's an anology that shows the Earth as a washing machine, inside which we of many colours are shaken and soaked in chemicals, spun and dried out, colliding, moving places, never quite in control because gravity is an erratic master. And how mankind the scientist, the mathematician, the poet, the musician, throughout time has sought to understand the spin cycle, peer through the convex glass door, has sought to prise an opening, through prayer and machine.

You know I think the closest I ever got was one moment as a hormone fuelled teenager, when I got up to speed and shouted 'spin baby!' across some dancefloor somewhere. Can't quite remember the moment, but I'm sure it happened.

I seem to 'blog' a little less often these days. Maybe on a happy note, it's because my work and my music has brought a whole new reason for being. Maybe I've become distracted by positive actions a lot more, and maybe it takes days like today - when I both visit the doctors and mull over a disapointing live performance - for me to sit and reflect.

Those who've read previous blogs, please don't think I've mellowed - oh no!! Our churches are still being used by liars and hypocrites, our history is still being written in the blood of attrocity, and our so called economy continues to cause great pain and suffering.

That misunderstood word 'economy' is popular right now. Suddenly there's no money anywhere, and it doesn't take an idiot to realise that it is somewhere, and someone knows exactly where. In layman's terms it is being passed around small circles of greedy, selfish, so-called human beings, people for whom there is no reality, just an illuision of grandeur that sadly for them, only lasts until the day they die. The current economy makes people do things they do not want, for people who do nothing, for little of what they need. Result: crime, discontent, spiralling social conflicts. So what if it's in trouble? Just give those who need a wheelchair, a wheelchair. Those who need pain relief, pain relief. Dignity for every adult, a person centered education for every child. We have all those things available to us and so much more, it is the economy that takes them away and leaves us to fight amongst ourselves for what's left.

"What?" says the man in the pub, "that's bollocks". Ah yes Mr Man, you still live in this bubble of western culture where the weather is quite mild, the seasons are gentle and the spin cycle merely brings with it a delicate wash. Were your history lessons to teach you a little more than 'we won the war' you might just realise that the end of one conflict, is merely the catalyst for the next one. The fighting continues, even in your own home, where your own children's fears and concerns have driven you to soak solace here in the drink.

It's only just dawned on me that the raison d'etre of a washing machine is to create revolutions, cycles of revolution after revolution. But to what end? Are we really so dirty? Is this over crowded planet being driven to madness or some unseen heavenly purity? Is our solution simply a new brand of detergent, linked by 6 degress of separation to catastrophic ethnic cleansing? Vast nuclear arsenals, chemical warfare, blatant bombing and mass murdering of entire families for a cause justified by some hideous high ranking prat of a soothsayer, who claims not only can he see through the convex glass door, he can hear a voice from the other side. These things are the shadows that suffocate the sun.

I have so many stories to tell you. This statement says that I am still alive, despite moments when I've believed I was nearing the end. I hold many of my own stories back, so that you can find your own. I am not a selfish man. I am ready to embrace, and be embraced by, amazing things ...

lotsoflovenstuff as always,
dp x

Wristband4Festivals Review

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Sun, 24 May 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

Wristband4Festivals Review
'Acoustic Festival Of Britain 2009 > here <

"The biggest surprise from the day came in the shape of Darren Poyzer, a Mancunian singer/songwriter with charm and talent on his side.

Full of the wit of a comedian and the musical skills of one of the greats, Poyzer kept his modest crowds attention throughout. Not even the shock appearance of the Storm Troopers put Poyzer off as he posed for pictures."

Poyzer @ Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

Two albums, 'Global' and 'Brilliant Words' are now available at Amazon, both as complete audio cd's and with individual songs from 99 cents, or whatever the equivalent is in uk sponds.

Here's the link:
Amazon

nice one, dp x

Love Will Tear Us Apart - where can I find it?

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:14:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com
It's been my lovely pleasure to have played the most beautiful, dark love song at a number of gigs this year, to find many requests for a recording waiting for me on my return home. Therefore here's the update on where and when:

Love Will Tear Us Apart (Darren Poyzer solo) 2009
Update soon, I've laid down a solo version for the forthcoming 'Bloody Love Songs' collection, due April 2009.

Love Will Tear Us Apart (Darren Poyzer with John Ellis on piano) 2008
Recorded somewhere out front, there's apparently a bootleg doing the rounds featuring the brilliant John Ellis (Lily Allen / Corinne Bailey Rae) on piano, recorded live at The Legendary Manchester Busker @ Matt & Phreds in June.

There's also a Live In Wolverhampton version, and a Live In Runcorn version ... I have these somewhere, kicking aboput on rough mini-disks, so I'll go listen and see what's worth keeping.

Love Will Tear Us Apart (Poyzer, Fluff and Farrell) 2007
Produced by Nigel Stonier, this studio version was recorded at the very end of 2007 and is a co-owned recording. Out of decency to Kevin and Fluff therefore, I've not set out to distribute this, and I don't think we'll do anything with it unless we decide to promote the trio as a practical gigging and recording project. However, it can be found on My Space as none other than Peter Hook (Joy Division / New Order) has obtained a copy and is promoting it via his My Space page as a 'country' version :-) ... here ya go, enjoy: www.myspace.com/peterhookneworder

Glastonbury 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

Had a massive time at Glasto, superb ...

My big personal thanks especially to Biggles Wartime Band who made it happen, and were brilliant as always, a true Glastonbury highlight!

Big thanks also to Fluff on the magical fiddle and the Croissant Neuf people, who's bandstand provided some truly memorable moments.

dp x

Poyzer songs on I-Tunes

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:01:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

a little pointer, if I may ...
for those who may have dabbled in the i-pod market over crimbo, for as little as 79p a song you can download tunes from two albums worth of Poyzer songs at I-Tunes

here's the link:

luvnstuff, dp x

Bloody Love Songs - Studio News

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:33:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

Bloody Love Songs Coming soon - a brand new cd full of brand new songs - and yes this time I bloody well mean it! >>> Latest Studio News here <<<

It's The End Of The Year As We Know It ...

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:55:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

Time is a four letter word. No sooner are we in the moment we are out of it again, and whether that moment be a cutter or a groover, we move on and ultimately it's imprinted in some ghostly form, to be recycled as future hopes, fears and potential.

Hello, my name is Darren John Poyzer. At this point some people will stop reading and go elsewhere. It's cool ... even the man perceived as the son of god had his detractors. I am this age, that age, seen more often digitally these days than real life, and then in real life judges depending on whether I am binge eating or not, wearing a blue hat or worried brow, passing on knowledge through teaching or throwing an acoustic music party somewhere.

I have this year twice been on the very edge of giving up the very thing that has been my heart and soul work for so long, that being songwriting and live performance. And yet here I am, buzzing on a mix of outrageously fun shows and beautiful acoustic gatherings, and about to record a new batch of songs that have found me reaching once more for melodies and creation, the like I thought I would never reach again. I will be careful though - this time last year I was investing money with friends into studio recordings, and we literally came down like a stick ... the recordings were great, however that whole thing that comes with moving forward, making commitments and all that, I guess was just too much at that time. There's that word again ...

This year it's more of a me thing with the new songs, and I think in hindsight it has to be. There's so much of the personal in the things I write, that whilst there's potential for self-indulgence, this is little more than airing some personal observations, so I ain't being no precious boyo. Oh no ...

Like everyone I will end the year looking back and looking ahead - that's the opporutnity this time in the calendar brings, and whilst this is the cut of my very being for a little while, I do sense in the back of my mind there will be a time when my writing will exorcise my demons and I will indeed stop, and allow the moment to simply be, to rest, to embrace a little closure and who knows, maybe some satisfaction.

Of course outside of music, there's the life that is love and passion, family, friends, the bigger picture, chance and opportunity. I could share so much of that with you here and now, of course I can, and yet I find that whilst typing on a keyboard might be good for the occasional rant, there's nothing like the scent of real flesh and bones to get us right down to the nitty-gritty of human relationships. So, we'll meet again, some time, and let's talk, look each other in the eye and embrace with real feeling, if the moment says this is what we should do.

For now, for always, for Christmas, New Year, and your own time of life,
I wish you the very best with surprises and joy,
Darren :-)

Latest Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:22:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer @ www.poyzer.com
singer-songwriter / special needs music teacher

Hello!

I hope this finds you and yours well and happy :-)

I'm coming to the end of my 'gigging year' so this could well be the last of the occasional newsletters for 2008. Nevertheless, there's still a few special things herein, and I hope you find lots of interest pointers ...

The first news in the New Year could well be the long overdue new collection of Poyzer 'Bloody Love Songs' which has new momentum with some more new material now written and ready for recording.

News

Acoustic Eclectic this Wednesday Nov 19th
3 Chords & The Truth
Lancashire Hotpots - Manchester Xmas Show Fri Dec 5th
Borowski / Difford / Ist: New Albums!
Educational Projects Update
Poyzer songs now @ I-Tunes
Facebook Fan Page

Acoustic Eclectic

Wednesday November 19th @ 8.30pm
Acoustic Eclectic presents ...
Darren Poyzer + guests Roydan Styles + David Gordon + open mic
Q Bar, next to Stalybridge Station
www.myspace.com/acousticeclectic

My last 'headline' original song set of the year promises to be extra special, with lots of good friends and wonderfulspirits gathering in a small, cosy magical space.

And at least two quite wonderful brand new songs will feature; these days such things are a rarity for me, so when it happens and the songs are as together and dynamic as these two are, it's all a little bit exciting.

Jon Orpheus is hosting, and the promise of a David Gordon set plus Roydan Styles adding extra zap to the occasion makes this an event to look forward to..

And oh yeah, it's free admission :-)

3 Chords & The Truth

Wednesday November 26th 7.30pm-10pm . £2.50 includes Tasty Food!
'3 Chords & The Truth' hosted by Darren Poyzer
Debees, 17-19 Market Place, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3DA

Very special monthly concerts, featuring an excellent selection of songwriters and musicians, with tasty food included in the ticket price.

The sound system is top rate, the people who attend like to listen and respect the occasion, and this being a proper music venue, it's a big step up from noisy disrespectful pub gigs.

Of course if you come to play, we do look to share the respect thing, so please, a word ... if you wanna turn up, talk to your mates, play then show no interest in other people, don't bother.

This is not a lot to ask, and because we run the night this way, it's a winner for everyone who participates. Join our Facebook Fan Site!

The Lancashire Hotpots Christmas Show

Friday December 5th 7.30pm
The Lancashire Hotpots + Darren Poyzer
Manchester Academy
Buy Tickets online at www.ticketline.co.uk/venue/details/577009

An evening of Lancashire comedy capers, with yours truly playing a livelier than usual supporting set!

I first fell for the hotpots when seeing their legendary 'Oh No He's Turned Emo' given the lego video treatment ... if you haven't yet seen this classic You Tube moment, enjoy >>> http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=92Th-FA1ezI

Borowski / Difford / Ist: New Albums!

George Borowski - Fair Xaverian
www.townsend-records.co.uk/product.php?pId=10003065&pType=1

Chris Difford - The Last Temptation Of Chris
www.recordstore.co.uk/home.jsp?wherefrom=productdetail.jsp?productPK=unittest-bFFyxOPybGRs1Ko3qN3IEb-1

Ist - Toothpick Bridge
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=15109867&blogID=431793444

Three albums I'm treating myself too having heard preview recordings, and I highly recommend these, amongst many other things actually ...

George Borowski (www.myspace.com/georgeborowski) - and let's say this again, why is he not the world star he should be?? - has released his long awaited follow-up (in spirit) mto The Bait, a return to the recording form that stands this wonderful and magical songwriter out from the masses. Things to do before you die: go see a George Borowski concert :-)

My good friend Chris Difford (www.chrisdifford.com) is also in sensational form with his new material and recordings, two Ivor Novellos in the bag and with occasional Squeeze tours now back on the calendar, life can't get much sweeter for those who enjoy his low range souldful voice.

And finally, Kenton Hall is a fractured little genius, someone who I shared a songwriting credit with in Italy last Summer, and if you like that warped indie sound, his band Ist (www.myspace.com/ist) have a new album that truly is a gem.

Enjoy and stay clear of the mainstream :-)

Educational Projects Update

I've updated the 'Tuition' page at www.poyzer.com/workshops.htm and this includes two new projects:

'Elements' special needs school project for Drake Music in association with Manchester Camerata, for performance at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Sat Nov 29th 2008.
Stockport CP Music Project for Drake Music, special needs adults music workshops with live performance planned for Sat 20th December 2008, 12.30pm lunchtime @ The Moortop, Heaton Moor.

For those interested, this page also carries a 'potted history' cv of professional music services and previous projects.

Poyzer songs now @ I-Tunes

CD's & individual songs from just 79p each now @
> I-Tunes <

Enjoy!

Facebook Fan Page
Now with over 110 members for those who do facebook things, here it is, loaded up with vids and songs, concert dates, discussion and all that gubbins:

Please join!
www.new.facebook.com/pages/Darren-Poyzer/24200421433

One thing you might enjoy is the short film project being undertaken by Joe Ogden, and in particular I hope the soundtrack to 'Dead Beat Scene One' ...

Thank you, as always I truly appreciate your time and consideration,
Darren

3 Chords & The Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:27:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

Come and Play!!

Wednesday November 26th 7.30pm-10pm . £2.50 includes Tasty Food!
'3 Chords & The Truth' hosted by Darren Poyzer
Debees, 17-19 Market Palce, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3DA
Very special monthly concerts, featuring an excellent selection of songwriters and musicians, with tasty food included in the ticket price.
Join our Facebook Fan Site!

Thank You from MIND

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:09:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

CD's & Songs courtesy of I-Tunes

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:50:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

'Global' (live) & 'Brilliant Words' CDs
albums and individual songs from just 79p each now
@ > I-Tunes <
Enjoy!

Lots of Free Music!

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:25:00 +0000

www.poyzer.com

Have you noticed the brand new music page yet at poyzer.com?

And the new video wall?

3 cd albums and more of free music play - enjoy!

New Live Photos (courtesy Steve Bostock)

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:16:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com
A new set of live performance photos can now be found on the website and at My Space.

Courtesy of Steve Bostock (www.stevebostock.com) these were taken recently at The Witchwood in Ashton Under Lyne.

Substitute For Homesick Blues @ My Space

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:08:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

The song 'Darren Poyzer's Substitute For Homesick Blues' - from the album 'Brilliant Words' has now been added to the My Space player at www.myspace.com/darrenpoyzer

enjoy :-)
dp x

Julie Rainbow - New Live Concert Video

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:56:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

Live footage of the Legendary Manchester Busker 20th Anniversary Concert, Matt & Phred's, Manchester, Sunday April 20th 2008

Buy Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:09:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

Love Hope Strength

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:12:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

Friday May 16th 2008, I played as part of a special event in Wrenbury, near Nantwich, supporting the Love, Hope Strength Foundation. The event raised over £200 and was a wonderful occasion, thanks in main to organiser Roydan Styles, and the landlord and staff at The Dusty Miller.

The line-up in full: Shake The Roots, Roydan Styles, Leyla Sanai, Julie Wright and Coloring By Numbers.

dp x

Candlelight for MIND

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:43:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

I've just recorded an exclusive track for MIND, specifically for a compilation cd that accompanies the opening of The Topaz Centre in my town of birth, Ashton Under Lyne.

The track is called 'Candlelight' and it was produced by Mick Phillips.

A 3 day festival at The Topaz takes place in early May, and yours truly plays live at 3.15pm in the afternoon on Wednesday May 7th.

dp x

Saw Doctors: Fantastic!

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:35:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

A little note as a thank you, not only to the people who have greeted me so respectfully at recent shows with Focus and Wishbone Ash, but also to the Saw Doctors fans who welcomed me in Holmfirth, when I played one of my most memorable concerts to a full house of rowdy and really up for it people.

Many are saying it was one of the best Saw Doctors concerts of all time, and as a bit of a Docs fan myself, I am not going to argue with that sentiment at all!

dp x

Additions to Song Book

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

The Song Book section of the website now features full versions of songs to listen to, as well as instructions via video of how to play these songs on acoustic guitar, and of course chords and lyric sheets.

Presently 4 songs are featured, and these are:

A Simple Englishman's Dilemma

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:11:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com

There's something going on here in England, in fact it's been going on a while now. In the wake of the onslaught of political correctness, that sinister little extreme right wing politic is moving out of the shadows, lurking it's way into the working class public conscience yet again. It's as if the BNP have struck a chord somewhere along the recent line, the voice is saying "I am white and I want your bones and your blood".

I write as we approach St George's Day, an annual non-event as a rule to be honest, and yet there are whispers abound that it should be something more. I am concerned. Ours is a population that hasn't suffered any great historical displacement, and therefore there really isn't any natural requirement to sing songs of yearning for the homeland, etc. I think it's fair to say though that our heirarchy have caused their fair share of population displacements through the centuries, and whilst the soil here may be blessed with the trophies of much conquering, there's hardly a look of anything but shallow pride amongst many a decent Englishman.

There is a part of me that says ok, time to stand up and be counted, take back the flag from the nationalists, wave it loud and proud in the spirit of welcome and international socialism. However, the more I think of it, the more I am nudged alarmingly by the rabid voice of this nation's one-eyed media; the more I despair as the population of this island further implodes with cut throat selfishness; the more I am suffocated by the market forces of greed and the bile of Thatcher's bastards as they reek havoc on England's innocent children.

You know, I think it's fair to say that when it all comes out, I'm quite ashamed of my country, of it's recent and historical roles in global affairs, it's weakness both as empire in it's own making, and as piss pot to an even more despicable bunch of righteous tyrants from across the Atlantic. And the way that this country's politic has turned it's own people on each other, with despicable violence on the weekend streets of virtually every town and city community, the tip of a titanic blood soaked iceberg.

On St George's day this year 2008, I am playing at an event promoting Oxfam, a global charity that seeks to aid the poorest people of the world. A good friend of mine, in all good manner and respect, suggested that we should promote the event as a St George's Day special, highlighting the talents and cultural identity of English songwriters. I get the gist but I'm not too sure about that and, in all honesty I have to confess, the one song that I will look forward most to playing that night as a tribute to Oxfam's reason for being, was written by a Welshman.

Maybe I just don't belong here. Maybe a few union jack waving meat heads would say exactly that. Thing is, now more than ever, those of us who feel emotionally for the decline of English humanity do truly belong, right here, right now.

Long live the voice of discontent, the empire is dead meat heads - deal with it - and on Wednesday April 23rd, I won't be alone in publicly declaring this through a public address system, as well as issuing a few other rants of concern / hope / reasons to wake up and embrace the whole world. In the name of England and St George of course ...

"In Christian hagiography Saint George (ca. 275-281 – April 23, 303) was a soldier of the Roman Empire, from the then Greek-speaking Anatolia, now modern day Turkey, and is venerated as a Christian martyr.

Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodox Churches. He is immortalised in the tale of George and the Dragon and is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

St. George is the patron saint of Aragon, Canada, Catalonia, China, England, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Montenegro, Palestine, Portugal, Russia, and Serbia, as well as the cities of Amersfoort, Beirut, Ferrara, Freiburg, Genoa, Ljubljana, and Moscow, as well as a wide range of professions, organisations and disease sufferers."

Music Therapy / Special Needs

noreply@blogger.com (Darren Poyzer) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:17:00 +0000

Darren Poyzer - www.poyzer.com
see all interviews

Interviewed by Simon Garry, for City College Manchester, 17th March 2008

1 – How did you begin working as a music therapist?

In a word: ‘networking’. I’d been attending various music workshops through Music Leader / Youth Music and the Musicians Union and was aware that work in health was available for musicians. I’d previously gained a part-time music tutor place at a local college having heard that they needed someone urgently, and it was the same with a place working at a local special school – they need a music teacher part-time, I was looking for work with special needs children, so I immediately picked up the phone and sent my cv. Basically, it was a case of opportunity and desire.

2 – Are there any skills or qualifications that are essential/desirable?

That depends on the post. In my case, yes they wanted to have a look at my qualifications and experience, however because it’s a private school I think they were looking for the right person, someone who instinctively could provide support through music, someone who wanted to, someone who would embrace the school, it’s ethics, it’s ‘family’, it’s issues and challenges. I have since, in order to keep the post and develop it, taken on mentoring with Nordoff Robbins, provided courtesy of Music Leader, and this has brought ideas and great personal confidence, which the school is very pleased with .

3 - What is involved in a “typical” therapy session?

For me there is no ‘typical’ session. The children I work with take music as an activity, and it is very much lead by them. Depending on their day, their mood swings, the issues within school, I provide a range of group things to take part in, or some one-to-one work if the opportunity arises. Personally therefore, for me it’s improvisation within a structure – kinda like jazz if you like the analogy – whereby getting to know the child’s abilities and interests is key to involving the child.

A music therapist working in a more acute situation, with for example severely handicapped people, would probably play rather than lead an activity, and look to achieve response in a much more delicate way; the tapping of a percussion instrument; a smile of recognition; etc.

Working with behavioral issues again would mean that planning has to be loose-fitting, but ultimately still within a structure.

In all cases, a session could be a complete and utter failure and you have to be prepared for that. Or it could exceed your wildest dreams …

4 – Are there any areas in the music industry that are directly related to being a music therapist?

First and foremost you need to have a creative soul. And you have to want this, be strong enough to deal with the human issues, the mixture of tragedy and hope, and see music as an answer, a solution, a medication, a pleasure, a way to communicate and share love, understanding, an outlet for anger and frustration.

If you have these, then organisations such as Music Leader, the Musicians Union, Nordoff Robbins, music colleges and health organisations, can all lead you to opportunities to work in health and education, in areas you wouldn’t normally expect to work.

5 – What are the working patterns for a therapist?

Again for me it’s very much improvisation within a workshop. The more tools you have at your disposal – and I use everything from basic percussion to an i-pod full of songs for listening pleasure, to full blown music technology for creating beats and exploring sounds – the more chance you have of achieving stimulation and response.

6 – Do you get paid per session or on salary?

Personally by the hour as I am self-employed, and this is usually the way it goes. Work is not easy to find, so self-employed hour by hour is the way of the freelance musician these days! And my work is only part-time in this area – I work also as a semi-pro live musician and web designer, and many who work in this area are similar freelancers.

7 - How does the healing process take place?

This is the most difficult question, because in some cases and depending on how you see it, there is probably no healing as such, only the hope that the work you do brings a little something to the lives of people who have issues and pain beyond our comprehension. Healing is a long term comfort zone, a life-time of support and care that embraces music as a therapy, an activity, a change of sensual environment and stimulation that helps to achieve greater goals. How you perceive those goals is paramount to how you perceive healing. On a good day, healing begins and ends with a smile …

8 – Are the effects of the therapies noticeable straight away or is it more of a long-term healing method?

It’s an individual thing. In my place, children are first and foremost children, so by nature they will pick something up with a passion, and with equal passion walk away, dismiss it and in some cases destroy it. I think generally everything has to be perceived long-term, and as part of a bigger picture. You are after all providing music as a support service to a life-plan directed by health care and welfare professionals, so they will, you hope, ultimately see positive results in your work.

9 – What is the best advice you would give to someone starting out as a music therapist?

Be the musician - if you see the beauty and magic in the music, know that you are on your way. Experience the work before you take it on. Ask for advice, always, and be a part of a team. You will need the support of that team throughout, and they will need you. Always be ready to learn and change your expectations to suit the challenges of the day. Network, network, network … attend courses, workshops, meet and converse with others who work in this field, understand the needs of families affected by disability and mental health on all levels of severity.

And finally, one of the best bits of advice I have been given by Richard from Nordoff Robbins is: “if in doubt, listen to the children”.