Hartpury University and Clem Burke Drumming Project

With the support of Youth Music, Hartpury University and The Clem Burke Drumming Project have brought drumming to children with additional educational needs and including  autism spectrum disorder(ASD).  Alongside the delivery scientists are  assessing the positive impact of kit drumming  sessions on this uniquely gifted group of neurodiverse children. From Liverpool to the Forest of Dean, more than a hundred and fifty children in schools for special needs engaged this year in free drumming sessions, both individual and collective, and responded with enthusiasm and joy. Experiences and initial findings were also shared with scientists and tutors at the recent ‘Science Behind The Sticks’ Conference.

"The project was a real highlight of our year here at Abbot’s Lea School. After a fantastic response from families, we engaged over 50 students in drumming sessions. Our tutor, Luigi, offered great flexibility and an adaptive approach to our students’ needs and interests. Our staff have described surprising involvement, talent and enjoyment from students who struggle with many aspects of education. Drumming activities have been beneficial for students on the autism spectrum as sensory activity, development of imitation and communication through music, regulation of energy and emotions, and team work. The project had a lasting impact, with more families asking about drumming." (Sara Mursic, Head of Research at Abbot's Lea School)

This project has enabled many pupils with autism and associated learning difficulties to take part in drumming sessions, they would not have had this experience without this project. Luigi was able to engage the pupils through his calm approach and inspire them to ‘have a go’. The engagement of the pupils was fantastic to see, this included pupils who may struggle to engage in the classroom and unknown talent discovered. The drumming enabled engagement, participation, turn taking and imitation, alongside the freedom to explore and compose. Our pupils looked forward to the sessions and the staff reported that pupils returned to class calm and regulated which helps enable them to access learning. This is a huge benefit to those pupils that struggle to regulate and manage emotions. We look forward to the opportunity for this to continue. (Lizzie Spowart – Pastoral Lead, Heart of the Forest Community Special School)

"In a field like ASD, where there is always the need to be creative with new interventions and attentive to how the kids respond, drumming worked great. It was the perfect combination of fun and didactic possibilities. As a teacher, the project was one of the most interesting and enriching experiences I've ever taken part in. The kids continuously challenge common beliefs about musical laws that are often thought to be universal. They unravel a world of differences that can be understood in its aesthetic and human value only when they are given the space to unfold their talents and lead the sessions in unforeseen directions." (Luigi Marino, tutor and researcher, Hartpury University)