Ask anyone who sings in a choir and they will confirm that communal music-making has a soothing, uplifting effect.
Music therapist Emily Druce, who runs a small ‘music for wellbeing’ group at the WomenCentre in Huddersfield, says it has the power to engage, heal and even increase confidence.
A singer, songwriter, she plays guitar and violin and is an accompanist for the group, most of whom don’t read music or play an instrument.
Emily says many of the women who come along say they can’t sing, but soon find their voice. And even those who have never played music before will discover that they can bash the drums or keep rhythm on a tambourine.
She explained: “We all have musicality in us. We all like to tap our feet when we hear music. In the group we get these magical moments when we are creating something together, and having fun.”
The group has members between the ages of 17 and 65 and all have different reasons for wanting to join in. Some have suffered trauma or mental health problems, while others simply want companionship. The group offers them a safe environment.
Emily added: “Some women feel tentative at first when they come along but there is a safety in being in a women-only space, where they feel supported.”
Members of the group say they benefit enormously from the sessions. One woman, now retired, explained: “I live on my own and might come in feeling a bit down but I always leave feeling better.” Another described the group as “uplifting”.
Until recently, all the instruments used by the group were on loan from a music therapy charity, but thanks to a donation of just over £1,000 from the Yorkshire Building Society’s Charitable Foundation, Emily has been able to buy a collection of drums, ukeleles, a keyboard, percussion instruments and a guitar. They are used for music therapy at WomenCentre two days a week which involves working with groups and individuals.
The donation came about when Emily went into the Huddersfield town centre branch and got into conversation about her work with a member of staff. Customer representative Mina Gay said: “We encourage staff to find out what are customers are doing. If we find out about charitable projects we can nominate them for help. We find out what they want.”
The music group meets every Wednesday morning at the WomenCentre in Lord Street between 10.30am and 12 noon. Emily also runs a singing group at Paddock Village Hall on Wednesday afternoons. For details contact the centre on 01484 450866.
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