What a staggering thread! Only just hooked into it tonight, but it was just what I needed. Here in the UK I sometimes feel that I'm on my own using traditional music in therapeutic work with young adults with a variety of learning difficulties from autism to schizophrenia. It seems that the world of therapy likes to surround itself with professional walls (like there is only one course for music therapists here, admitting eleven students per year, all of whom have to be degree level performers for starters). You guys are like a breath of fresh air and twice as welcome. I take a variety of instruments with me,banjo, meldeon, guitar and pipes (Northumberland), backed up by percussion instruments at the various residences I go into, and we play tunes, sing choruses (and some amazing solos), talk about the songs and occasionally get into country dancing, involving residents, carers and any else in the vicinity... I've had the usual setbacks and some solid successes, working on anything from re-establishing fine motor skills, socialising, speech, and all the time with an eye to promoting self esteem and confidence. I just want to thank you for making me feel a great deal less lonely! Keep the faith,

Chris (e-mail - cwn42@yahoo.com.uk