what is synchronised music creation?

We are an accessible music creation service utilising DJ gear, iOS devices and traditional instruments to help engage and effect better outcomes for young people.

why synchronised?

Music is commonly considered an important part of adolescent subculture. With that in mind we use music creation as a means of establishing trust and meaningful relationships with young people who require additional support whether they be at risk youth or a member of the disability community. We provide a pleasant and non threatening environment where young people are absorbed in the music. 

Self expression through music creation has been found to improve communication skills, improve self esteem through a sense of achievement, reduce anxiety and stress, and help externalise feelings, thoughts and emotions. To encourage and support this process a strong rapport is essential between the young people and the facilitator. Gareth has extensive experience of working with young people in teaching and mentoring capacities where he has a proven ability to achieve trust based relationships.

Live music interaction with other human beings is stimulating both as sounds and as sights and leads to an exchange of thoughts and feelings. This can bring about a reduction in feelings of isolation and separation. The presence of other human beings composing music with them allows them to connect and feel the music better.

Research has found the mood of a young person also improves after a live session due to the stimuli that they receive from the musical sounds. This is achieved through a flow of energy from the facilitator with the aid of musical instruments. The energy flow acts as a stimulant for emotional betterment.

Music creation can often have obstacles that prevent participation. We overcome these in the following ways, first of all, we provide the expertise and experience that supports and encourages an inquisitive mind, secondly, we use a unique set of creative tools (alongside traditional instruments) that are accessible and require very little or no musical ability yet still provide immediate gratifying results which encourage participation.

Furthermore, we work alongside schools to support age appropriate students obtain NCEA credits in music and music technology standards.

how it works.

Our sessions can be conducted in a one-to-one setting or within small groups. Upon meeting, Gareth and the young people will have a chat about musical influences and interests. The outcome of that will often lead to an initial direction of music creation. The young people will be given the opportunity and encouraged to experiment and play with the multiple creative tools present to see what transpires.

Inspiration is always just a few clicks away whether it be using drum pads to put down a hip hop beat, a turntable to scratch on, or electric guitars to rock on. We integrate intuitive iOS apps which allow users to create amazing soundscapes quickly. There is a keyboard on hand for melodies and basslines and a microphone for singing and rapping.

Ideas can be sourced through many methods including improvisation, songwriting and song deconstructions. Additionally we have sample libraries that contain thousands of sounds per genre that can easily be filtered through then ‘dragged and dropped’ and layered upon one another quickly and easily to create soundscapes.

The sessions accommodate all levels of music ability. The young person may find that they enjoy the vibe of a jam session using a creative tool that has taken their liking. This can often happen with the DJ turntable or the drum percussion pads. Others have have found great joy in expressing themselves through writing lyrics to sing or rap over a backing track or beat. Those with playing experience have often enjoyed having the opportunity to play along with other musical elements.

The sessions are recorded and shared digitally with the young people.

Sessions last for one hour.

who is it for?

behavioural disorders.

Peer relations for children and adolescents with behavioural disorders are often quite negative and in some cases non existent. Music creation can provide children and adolescents with a starting place for disclosure and a common ground for discussion.

Additionally, the non verbal aspect of music creation helps in facilitating self expression among children and adolescents 

autism.

People with any disorder that lies on the autism spectrum disorder have shown a heightened response and interest in music. Music creation has been found to be good for improving social behaviours, increasing the ability of the person to focus on the assigned tasks, increase attention, communication ability such as vocalisation and can reduce anxiety.

learning difficulties.

For people with learning difficulties they can discover new ways of communicating through music creation which allows them to gain confidence that people will listen. It can help provide a clearer sense of identity, increase self esteem and confidence, encourage greater integration with other people, increase communication skills and interaction with others, thereby reducing the need to use behaviour as a way to express distress or frustration and process feelings.