Nelson's Story - good news from project partners

One of our project partners, Remarkable Music Theatre, has sent us a brief but powerful description of how engaging in Music4U projects has been vital to one young man's journey as he embarks upon his career in music. This is Nelson's story...

Nelson* began engaging with Music4U as a participant on our Bridlington-based Remarkable Rock Orchestra project in 2014, at the age of 18. He already played bass and lead guitar and, initially, his main interest was developing his own musical skills and working towards a performance. However, as the project went on, other developments started to shine through. Nelson is autistic and has said that the main impact of his condition is that he "can struggle in social circumstances". Working with others through the shared language and passion of music has helped "build his social confidence" and "improve his interactions".

Since his initial involvement in Music4U, Nelson has finished school and opted to study music at college. He has also remained involved in the Remarkable Rock Orchestra project, working as a volunteer trainee throughout 2015, developing his leadership skills, as well as continuing his progression as a musician. This professional development period culminated in Nelson taking up a paid position as a member of staff on the most recent Remarkable Rock project, tutoring on the guitar. It is a huge achievement for Nelson to have overcome so many of the barriers he previously felt his condition imposed on him. He is delighted to have developed his personal and professional skills "to the extent that he could deliver music tuition to a group of young people, many of whom are his peers".

Looking to the future, Nelson is already working with Remarkable Music Theatre at their studio, teaching bass and guitar, and he continues to learn and hone his craft as a performer in his own right too. "The value of his experiences with Music4U projects is quite clear for all to see!"

*Names and images have been changed for privacy.