The Music Man Project
The Keynsham music group, led by music teacher Naomi Tarrant, was formed in April 2018. The sessions are run every Saturday and offer an opportunity for people with a learning disability to access a regular and inclusive music teaching club.
Amazing achievements so far
The musicians have already showcased their achievements so far to friends and family. They performed to the wider community by taking part in musical events, including the charity’s 40th birthday celebration and a Christmas fundraiser concert and a late summer concert in the local park. In April 2019 the group performed at the Royal Albert hall with over 200 musicians with a learning disability from across the UK in the biggest celebration of accessible music making there has ever been.
Enhances the lives of it's members
The Music Man project is all about education, enjoyment and access to inspirational performance opportunities, it gives creative artists a platform to raise awareness about the incredible difference music can make. Emotional well-being, basic skill development, self-discipline, teamwork, co-ordination, communication and social skills are all significantly enhanced through the study of music.
The project helps our members to be more confident and independent, which encourages them to take part in more social activities in the community. In turn, this can help to improve social awareness and acceptance, positive direct contact with people with a learning disability is an effective way of improving attitudes towards them, an active social life helps to reduce loneliness and improve mental and physical health. Our members are proud of their achievements and are looking forward to many more opportunities.
In demand
The group now has 20 members all committed to learning to play instruments and sign and sign to a variety of songs. Invites from various community groups, local businesses and event organisers to perform are coming in on a regular basis.
Where will the money go?
The money raised will allow us to continue to run this ever growing service. It costs almost £10,000 a year to run, we want to continue to facilitate a project that has already given people with a learning disability the confidence to learn a new skill, perform to the public and demonstrate that Keynsham Mencap have only the highest aspirations for what can be achieved by a person with a learning disability.