KEYS OF LIFE
Do you have a child with Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Vision Impairment or another diverse learning need? Are you interested in knowing how music can make your child's life richer?INTRO
What we offer
We can give advice on how to choose an instrumental music teacher for your child.
If your child already has a music teacher, we offer online modules and other courses that can help that teacher understand your child’s needs.
Michael’s Story
Elizabeth’s Story
Ollie’s Story
Marco’s Story
Johnny’s Story
We also offer online modules for teachers, therapists and parents to help students with disabilities and/or diverse learning needs experience the joy of learning a musical instrument.
Watch our introductory videos first, then find out lots more from our self-paced online courses available to you any time for a very modest fee.
What piano lessons can do for your child
Music strengthens brain functions
Disciplined, structured practice in playing music strengthens the visual, auditory and motor cortices in the brain, allowing students to apply that strength to other activities.
Music improves fine motor skills
The fine motor abilities of students who learnt piano for two years were significantly improved, compared to students without piano lessons.
Music teaches communication
Music is nonverbal, so it enables people without speech to express themselves and connect with others. When we try to sync with others musically—keeping the beat or harmonising —we tend to feel positive social feelings towards those with whom we’re synchronising.
Music relieves stress
Slow, quiet classical music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the levels of stress hormones. Many of our students use music as relaxation.
Music builds confidence
Playing in public can help children feel confident in presenting their work in a non-academic context.
Help us run this program. If you’d like to make a contribution to help Keys of Life reach even more students with diverse learning needs you can donate now!
CONTACT US
Parent Enquiry Form
Find out more about Music theraplay, and how it may be a great match to help with the development of your child.
Just complete and submit your details below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible to discuss things in more detail.
MORE INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my NDIS funding for music lessons?
Some of our students with self-managed plans use their NDIS funding for music lessons through Social and Community Participation. Our students are brought together at Keys of Life concerts, choir and social music groups. Many have made long-lasting friendships through playing music together.
Their NDIS goals for funding can include preparing for; connecting; and maintaining social and community participation:
- feeling included and connected to others
- having opportunities to build relationships with friends
- growing social networks and feel more included
- increasing confidence and building the ability to participate with peers
- developing skills to be more independent and feeling safe in the community
- finding enjoyable activities, meeting other people and making friends.
For more information please click on the following links. NDIS guides A List Hub
Why do you focus on piano?
Piano is an ideal first instrument for children with disabilities and/or diverse learning needs. The keyboard is laid out in a way that makes it easy to see or feel exactly where the notes are and how they relate to each other. The sound is easy to produce and both hands are engaged in a similar way, working both sides of the brain.
Many students start on the piano and then move onto other instruments.
Do I need a piano at home?
Students will need a piano or weighted keyboard at home. Keys of Life can help source one if families are unable to.
Can I drop my child off for their lesson?
Parents need to attend lessons so that they can help their child at home. Even parents who know nothing about music are able to help their children.
Is there homework?
Students should practise every day. This repetition is what causes positive shifts in brain function. For the first few years this practice should be supported by parents in the practice room.
Is it really worth the effort?
Yes! For families who commit the time the outcomes can be wonderful. More below, or check the student stories above.
TESTIMONIALS
From our community members
Elizabeth’s musical journey has been eye opening and a real silver lining, considering all the challenges she has faced. For a child who has consistently been assessed at the lowest 5% range in terms of developmental milestones, music is the one thing that appears to have been relatively easy for her to pick up. She has gained much confidence and feels a large sense of achievement every time she masters a song. Playing music also appears to have calming effect, as she will gravitate towards the piano or cello whenever she is upset or if she feels happy and wants to express herself. It will be almost impossible to imagine Elizabeth’s day without music as it has given her a real purpose and has become a big part of her and our family’s life.
Our weekly lessons with Daphne were such a positive and rejuvenating experience that we could share together as a family. Ollie was finally being recognised for something that he could do, rather than the focus on what he couldn’t do. As parents, this gave us a much-needed sense of hope and encouragement.
One of the most amazing things about learning piano is that it has given Ollie the opportunity to show off his talents. At the end-of-year school concert he was loudly applauded as he bowed and hi-fived his way off the stage.