Make your own music

After losing his dad, supermarket worker James struggled with loneliness and depression. As part of his recovery, he joined the seven week ‘Making Music’ group run by Liverpool Philharmonic at The Life Rooms and has never looked back.

Though he had never played an instrument before, he embraced the chance to test strings and tap keys until the rhythmic jingle of the tambourine stole his heart.

“When I lost my dad, something was missing in my life. I had no confidence and didn’t socialise much. Coming to The Life Rooms helped, but I wasn’t sure about the course at all at first. Now I’m hardly the same person I was before – it’s opened a door for me, I believe I’ve found my real niche in life.

“I have got strong new friendships from playing music in the group and I love playing the tambourine. It’s so interesting how you can hold it and shake it to make lots of different sounds.

“I was a shadow of the person I am now. I’ve done another course in musical theatre with the Liverpool Everyman through The Life Rooms, I’m thinking of going back to college to study music and drama and I've booked lessons with a vocal coach on my day off from work."

“Being around music with other people helped me in my darkest hours. If music didn’t exist, I’d be a different person.”

Upbeat

Even if you think, you have no musical talent, you can still benefit from playing an instrument. Mersey Care psychiatrist Justine Croft is quite clear that her natural abilities might be limited.

I've got no rhythm, two left feet and zero hand to eye coordination.

Despite this, Justine has set up a mindful drumming session for women and children living in a hotel for asylum seekers - to the joy of all involved.

"I wanted to offer a safe space for women and I needed an activity which can overcome a language barrier, so we learned hand drumming together."

Justine believes it is therapy for all involved. "I may get to the end of a difficult working day and think 'wish I didn't have to do this' but the joy on people's faces makes it worthwhile every time. I always come away feeling better."

“There’s something about the beat of the drum - I wonder if it mimics the heartbeat we all hear in the womb or if it’s in our DNA. The drum is an instrument which just invites you to join in and feel connected to something bigger. And if I can play it, so can anyone!”.