The universal Language of Mankind

Music has been described as the universal language of mankind with the power to heal, transform and inspire. We all respond to music and are surrounded by it in our daily living. From birth, through adolescence and adulthood we use music to soothe, stimulate, connect with others and give’ voice’ to our feelings.

Every Day Harmony is passionate about the power of music to stimulate communication and interaction in people regardless of disability, ethnicity or age.

Facilitating Expression and Communication

Everyone can participate in music therapy sessions; clients do not need to have any previous musical training or experience.

In a typical music therapy session the music therapist and client create music together using voice, a range of accessible percussion instruments and IT equipment. They establish a relationship through which the individual can communicate thoughts and feelings in a way they have perhaps never previously been able to in a safe and supported environment.

The therapist’s role is to facilitate this expression and communication.

Developing Skills and Promoting Change

A range of communication, cognitive, sensory and behaviour skills can be explored and developed under the careful direction of a therapist.

Music therapy sessions provide a safe space where vocal activity, instrumental play and spontaneous interaction are encouraged and supported.

Music is a fundamental part of all our lives

Building Relationships

Recently Every Day Harmony formed a unique partnership with the Children’s Heartbeat Trust (CHT) to provide support to children and families attending the Clark Clinic. Music therapy can offer a creative response in the midst of a range of clinical interventions for children who are acutely or chronically ill, awaiting transplant or receiving specialist treatment for severe heart conditions.

Music therapy provides psychological and physical support for the child and their family by alleviating pain, anxiety, fatigue and discomfort. It can also be used to prepare for loss and create loving memories.

12 Every Day Harmony Music Therapists …

deliver almost 8,000 hours therapy to individuals and groups

in 50 venues including schools, hospitals, day centres and care homes

Benefitting over 7,000 people each year

Fostering Innovation

Every Day Harmony, like many in the community and voluntary sector, encountered difficulty in maintaining services and support during the Covid-19 pandemic particularly to individuals who were medically vulunerable.

As a consequence they developed a unique resource pack for parents to use with their child. Each pack included six pre-recorded sessions focussing on a different developmental area:

shared attention & concentration;
movement with body-awareness/self-awareness;
child/parent interaction;
vocalising & communication;
emotions; and
relaxation & sensory.

Alongside extensive instructions and guidance manuals for the parent, the pack also contains 5 musical instruments including a xylaphone, ocean drum and bell to ensure full participation.

Other partners who are making a difference

Identifying the right network of dedicated and ambitious partners has enabled us to deliver on our charitable purposes and activities. Here are just some of the life-changing projects that our grant partners have been involved in.

Buddy Bear Trust

The Buddy Bear Trust Conductive Education School offers a structured learning environment where the child becomes an active participant in their own learning.

TEN Foundations

The TEN Foundations Livelihood Programme provides local mothers with the necessary skills and resources in order that they may provide for their own families and become self-sufficient.

Dreamscheme NI

Dreamscheme is an award-winning youth development organisation seeking to bring about positive transformations in young people and communities in South and East Belfast.