Musician

Volunteer Musician

We are looking for a musician who would like to lead some percussion sessions once weekly for 12 weeks or once fortnightly for 24 weeks at our Kenton Hub NE3 3RY.

Sessions last for two hours with a break, and are for groups of up to 12 adults with intellectual (learning) disability, supported by our Learning Disability Skills Specialists.  

Whilst initially volunteering, we would like to convert this eventually in to a paid sessional opportunity.

Our Clients all have conditions from birth impacting cognitive and adaptive ability, conditions such as Down's, Williams, Prader Willi and cerebral palsy. Some of our Clients are talented musicians and very much enjoy using the Charity's generous stock of pitched and unpitched percussion. All adults attending Journey have mental capacity, and come to the Charity to develop work and life skills.

We are particularly keen to see Clients explore specific genres including Samba, some simple ostinato and syncopation, call and response work, exploring dynamics and styles of playing using both hands and beaters/sticks, and explore improvisation from simple rhythmic stems. 

We don’t currently have a specific time or day. This is something that can be discussed with the Volunteer. It will be during the week for one day between 9.30-2.  

Benefits for the Volunteer

We will provide travel expenses and lunch at our Centre.

Journey will provide training in working with adults with intellectual disability including Easy Read, oral and aural differentiation, sensory and proprioception deficits.

Hands-on opportunity for music graduates keen on progressing to music therapy or in to secondary/FE teaching careers, or considering working in a community-based role.

Contact:

Volunteer and Project Manager: Nathan Watson

Phone: 07739 686 069

Skills

Skills Required

Confident performer, with good understanding of working with community groups with diverse needs.