After many years of educating music to folks with disabilities, drummer Edwin Nathaniel has co-authored R.I.S.E. (Rhythm Interactive Special Enabler), a music therapy book for folks with particular wants.
The tutorial book on the sensible use of percussion for therapeutic advantages was written along with physics lecturer Dr Tan Swee Chuan.
“It has been my dream to release a book that caters to people with learning disabilities. Together with a small team, we started this project during the movement control order. It took us about 18 months to complete the book,” mentioned Nathaniel, 63, in an interview in Petaling Jaya lately.
Co-writer Tan, 61, was honoured to work with Nathaniel as a result of of the latter’s tireless efforts to succeed in out to the disabled group.
The duo met a number of years in the past as a consequence of their curiosity in music, particularly the drums.
“Edwin has a deep sense of calling in what he does. He approaches his work with compassion and kindness in his heart.
“He has unwavering resolve to bring joy and a sense of dignity and value to these individuals with special needs.
“As an educator, I see the tremendous value of putting Edwin’s work in a form and structure that can be used as an instructional tool for those who are interested in using percussion rhythms and instruments to foster growth and development for individuals with special needs.
“Lay practitioners, teachers, parents and professionals will find the book practical and engaging in creating a fun and well supported learning environment for special needs learners,” mentioned Tan, who works in a world faculty in Petaling Jaya.
‘R.I.S.E.’ is an tutorial book on the sensible use of percussion for therapeutic advantages.
Nathaniel, vp of the Musicians for Musicians Malaysia Association, can also be co-founder of the award-winning music band Aseana Percussion Unit (APU).
In 2000, APU designed the R.I.S.E. programme, a music therapy syllabus for kids with differing kinds and ranging ranges of studying disabilities, together with these with autism, cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome.
R.I.S.E. focuses on the thought of making music utilizing percussion devices (or something at hand, together with mortar and pestle, or frying pan and chopsticks) whereas having enjoyable. In 2006, the programme was named the Best Community Arts Project on the fifth Boh Cameronian Arts Awards.
“Many children on the spectrum have an interest in music. Our programme has benefited not only participants with cerebral palsy but also hundreds of other individuals with learning challenges,” mentioned Nathaniel, who acquired assist from his workers, trainer Sheena Moorthy, and his son, musician and trainer Daryll Nathaniel, to finish the book.
Nathaniel added that the programme fosters the event of people with particular wants utilizing percussion in a relaxed atmosphere.
“It revolves around playing percussion instruments and rhythms, and incorporating exercises and activities which facilitate the physical and social development of the participants.
“Percussion instruments are intuitive to play as they are rhythm-oriented and built around pulses and beats. Unlike the violin, piano or saxophone, one does not need prior music knowledge and skills to play percussion instruments.
“Hence, the learning process is more manageable and less intimidating, especially for individuals with special needs.
“Individuals with cerebral palsy, for instance, have great difficulties in muscle movement and coordination. Routine exercises, workouts and practices are burdensome unless they develop inner motivation to engage in these activities.
Nathaniel (right) believes in the talents of people with special needs.
“The R.I.S.E. method seeks to make these exercises and activities fun and relaxing, making the learning process enjoyable.”
The book is split into eight chapters primarily based on the eight elements of the R.I.S.E. methodology.
They are Breathing In Unison, Ice Breaker, Warming Up, Counting in Unison, Chanting, Hands-On, Following A Pattern and Playing As An Ensemble.
Tan mentioned one of the most important challenges of finishing the book was poring over analysis articles on the advantages of music therapy.
“There is substantial amount of research on the therapeutic benefits of music for clients with special needs.
“However, in writing the book, we had to focus many of our research specifically on the benefits of percussion music, for instance, the positive effects of group drumming interventions and the use of rhythm and reflection in therapeutic settings.
“Hence, we had to sift through many research articles (about 100 of them) to obtain what we needed.
“Additionally, we were also interested in getting more up-to-date research findings.
“This involved studying many relevant research literature published in the last 15 years to gain a good understanding of the extensive scientific support for the use of percussion music for the personal and social development of participants with special needs.”
Nathaniel hopes the book, priced at RM49, can equip dad and mom and lecturers with the suitable abilities to make use of music as a therapeutic device to have interaction contributors with particular wants.
“The book gives practical steps on how facilitators can develop a positive mindset, expectations and attitude as they engage with them, minimising factors that may provoke anxiety in the participants.”Tan hopes the book will create consciousness of the large worth of percussion music in fostering private progress and social improvement amongst people with particular wants.
“I hope we can also build a caring and inclusive society where the wellbeing and rights of children with special needs are embraced and attended to.
“We hope that the book will help readers to be aware of the plight and challenges of children with special needs and to reach out to them in whatever capacity that they can.”For extra particulars, go to the Facebook pages Precious Pages Resources or Music Mart PJ.
