Live music is valuable education tool, says charity

Intermediate and professional keyboard players, guitarists and other musicians are being sought to help teach young people with disabilities.

Charity group Live Music Now uses music to help stimulate disabled youngsters and those who have learning disabilities.

The organisation is hoping to bring more musicians on board in order to alert the public to how effective live music can be.

Ian Anstee, director of Live Music Now, described it as one of the most valuable educational tools around.

Speaking to the Bolton News, he said: "It supports the development of self-esteem, creativity, learning and social skills for those with learning difficulties or physical disability."

Green Fold Special School in Bolton is one institution to have been visited by Live Music Now.

Assistant head Deborah Rogers praised its work and noted that the music sessions give the children a lot of pleasure.

"Music is such a sensory experience," she observed.

"You get an immediate response."

Live Music Now recently focused its efforts on senior citizens as part of Older People's Day on October 1st, fielding 63 young musicians in care homes, hospitals, day centres and hospices.

By Neil Hill