The Elfin Trust
The Elfin Trust has been set up to :-
- explore the relationship between nature, music and inspiration
- explore the value of listening
- explore how music is a means for healing and spiritual development,in well being and being well.
- to compose, create and develop musical works that inspire and heal
- to develop scientific means for research into the effects of frequency on the mind, body and spirit
- to create an archive and research resource of the musical and other published works of Mike Rowland and Jana Rowland
- house a library of musical and spiritual books
The 'One Feather' Project
We provide inspirational and creative music sessions foryoung people with learning disabilities and special educational needs.
In particular we are working with young adults who have been victims of brain
trauma. We have found that music can enable expression, communication, a sense
of well being and joy.
It is our experience by encouraging music to be played by some of the most
inhibited young individuals a sense of confidence can be developed.
One participant calls out for 'music now' every time and another with the aid of a Soundbeam, can improvise easily to world music and jazz.
The recordings of the students show their love of music, as well as an understanding of
musical form, harmony and structure. This is future education for young people who
otherwise have limited conventional language, perhaps only gestures to communicate
and in some cases behavioural difficulties.
Some students have carers with them twenty four seven, but in the careful hands of our work as
music practitioners become self aware and able to make choices.
We are deeply grateful for the donation of musical instruments which enables us to
share our musical experience and to trust our young participants to learn.
One young man, who has received the gift of a student violin is able to play each week,
as well as in his care home. Another young man is writing songs about hisdaily activities and his capacity for understanding language has increased.
By creating lyrics using colours for example, one partially sighted individual has
increased his capacity to speak and describe his own personal experience of the
world around him.
We are asking for donations towards musical instruments as the need is greater
than we can currently supply.
If you would like us to visit your school or centre please contact us. We are
available to advise on the use of music in special needs units and have strategies
for developing learning for individuals in your centre.
PICTURES FROM THORNHAM WALLED GARDEN |
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 Singing and laughing at the Walled Garden, Thornham |
 Learning to see with music |
 learning the violin! |
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We would be happy to hear from you. Do you have a resource unit? Do you have funding for Soundbeam sessions for your customers? Do you have a Soundbeam lurking away in a cupboard that you do not know how to use?
If you would like more information about availability, costs and workshops please email.
You can donate to the Trust. Please contact us if you are able to do so and would like to.
The cards which are on sale, a collection of beautiful photographs taken by Mike Rowland, are sold in aid of the Elfin Trust.
