Introduction
Music can express feelings and emotions when words are difficult to find, or when words seem inadequate to describe the jumble, intensity, or numbness that might be happening internally. Everyone can be musically expressive, whatever music experience or skill they have, ranging from none to lots! Musical expression can help externalise/release feelings that can then be shared and supported by the music therapist.
It is thought that music can be a universal language, and this is particularly helpful for communication when we are trying to express difficult feelings without using words, or for example, when we are from different cultures or using different languages. The focus here can be on universal similarities, creating a shared understanding, and easing any feelings of isolation. Music can also be an arena for exploring and/or celebrating differences.
Expressing Emotions Through Music
It can feel daunting to come to a music therapy session where there is potential for expressing emotions through music. We might feel that we won’t know how to express emotions through music. Sometimes the situation might remind us of school, or we might feel afraid of the feelings that come out or how these might be received in a group.
You will be supported with any of these concerns if and as they arise. It’s important to take things at a pace that feels as comfortable as possible for you. There is no pressure to play straight away, and it’s fine to play and then listen for a while, then play again as feels possible. Often people are surprised how their playing, or other people’s playing, does express some feeling or commonality of feeling in the group. Musical expression and verbal support can come through other group members with similar or shared experiences, and this can be extremely reassuring.
How Does Music Therapy Help with Self-Expression at Soundwell?
Instrument- based sessions
All sessions at Soundwell offer opportunity for self-expression through music. At Outreaches, monthly Open Groups, series of weekly music therapy sessions and Carers support groups, there will be a wide range of instruments, accessible to all whatever your experience with instruments. There might be many different types of drums, percussion instruments from around the world, small harps and lyres, keyboards, guitars, gongs and iPads with apps and mics. There is no right or wrong way of playing them, the focus will be on exploring the different sounds they make. You will be guided by the music therapist and gradually as people grow in confidence, participants will lead the music more, allowing for fuller musical expression.
Playing different instruments at the same time allows for a variety of feelings to be heard simultaneously. Often there is a deep listening and respect between participants, or there might be a focus on one’s own playing. Sometimes there is a communal drive and focus to the music that is extremely powerful and emphasises the potential for togetherness, social cohesion and community.
Singing Groups
Singing groups also support self-expression through music. Connecting with our voices with gentle breath and warm-ups, then through songs, is a very direct way to express ourselves, with our bodies being the instrument! Please see here for more information on Soundwell’s singing groups. Again, people come with a range of confidence in their voices – all are welcome.
Song choices can be very personal and, when shared and sung with the group, a highly expressive act that brings people together in a unifying way. There is room for individual expression within this, through choosing vocal parts and listening to and developing your own vocal tone and singing voice.
Online Music Listening Group
Soundwell’s online group encourages people to contribute to a Spotify playlist, which is shared and listened to in the group time. Self-expression through sharing favourite or personally meaningful songs and music enables people to connect with themselves, through their choice, and with others in the group. Some people might use these songs, music, or playlists as support throughout the week.
Participant feedback from a one-off outreach:
‘’Good to be made aware of inner feelings and how to express them through the variety and beauty of music :)’’
Participant feedback from a regular attendee:
‘’I have been going to Soundwell for many years, I always feel much better after a session, it’s great to be able to communicate with other people through my music. You can share any problems you have with the group if you wish to, therapists always make you feel part of the session and are very helpful.’’
Please see ‘what is music therapy’, ‘music therapy and anxiety’ and ‘music therapy and depression’ for more detail on these topics.
How Soundwell Continues to Support
As your recovery journey progresses, it’s possible to move between Soundwell groups, e.g. from a more intensive weekly group or 1-1 sessions, to the Open Group or the Singing group. There is opportunity at all stages of engagement with Soundwell for signposting to other activities and courses, job coaches and support into volunteering or employment. Some participants that move on may choose to become Soundwell Consultants, advising us on ways to improve services.