In sync with the rhythm
Musician Edwin Nathaniel gives special needs children the gift of music, and there will be a showcase of their talents tomorrow.
MUSICIAN and drummer Edwin Nathaniel believes everyone can play music, and he has made it his mission to share this joy with special needs children.
In the past two decades, he has trained children with different types and varying levels of learning disabilities, including those with autism, cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome.
“Rhythm is a powerful tool. If you have a heartbeat, you have rhythm. We walk with rhythm and communicate with a certain type of rhythm.
“With the right training, people with learning disabilities can learn music,” explains Nathaniel, who runs Music Mart, a music school in Section 12, Petaling Jaya.
It is one of the few places for special needs students to learn music.
“It takes time and patience to teach children with special needs. They need a lot of encouragement and support to unearth their talents,” says Nathaniel, who has also learnt to manage his students’ behavioural issues.
Nathaniel is proud to share his special students’ many success stories.
Last year, his guitar student Joshua Danial Johnson, who has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and vocal student Salvador Augustine Ling Jun An who has Asperger’s Syndrome, participated in the Autistic Talent Gala 2017 competition in Hong Kong. Nathaniel’s drum student Clement Tooi has also blossomed into a talented artist too.
“They have been my students for 10 years. I’ve seen them develop from timid young boys into talented and confident musicians. As a teacher, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching their positive growth. These individuals have come a long way and I’m so proud of their achievements,” relates Nathaniel, beaming with joy.
Music Mart is organising Hand In Hand With The Stars (2018), a charity event to bring awareness to autism-related issues, tomorrow.
It features the music school’s Zimi J’ band (comprising special needs musicians Ilyas Faisal Wong, Maxx Lim, Wan Zareef and Joshua Daniel), National Autism Society of Malaysia’s The Maesetro’s and Brilliant Mind Academy’s special needs student pianist Elza Bok.
“It will be a fun-filled event for people of different ages. Come support our talented special needs musicians and sit in for the educational talks.
“Another highlight would be the drum circle featuring spontaneous self expression and intercultural connections through the voices of different instruments,” says Nathaniel.
Learning to appreciate music
For the past 18 years, the father-of-two and his Aseana Percussion Unit (APU) band mates have been teaching students at the Selangor and Federal Territory Spastic Children’s Association in Petaling Jaya (SCAS&FT) how to create music using drums and percussion instruments.
Their teachings are based on RISE (Rhythm Interactive Special Needs Enable), a music therapy syllabus which APU designed in 2000.
The objectives of the programme include helping students develop a sense of musical appreciation, create an alternative method for muscular exercises and instil a sense of discipline.
“God has given me this talent and I believe it is important to give back to society. I love children and enjoy working with them.
“I also find fulfilment in engaging in community service projects and church work,” says 60-year-old Nathaniel, who also conducts music programmes for the visually impaired and people at old folks home.
He has also travelled across the country to do workshops on teaching music to people with special needs. While he isn’t a trained therapist, many parents of special children seek his help.
“I’m a musician, not a special needs therapist. Whatever training I have is based on my experience in dealing with children with special needs for close to two decades.”
The syllabus for RISE are customised to suit individuals of all ages. and needs. “As each student is different, I have to tailor every lesson according to their capabilities and mood. It’s all about trying different methods to see what suits them best.”
During their lessons, students are taught how to use different types of percussion instruments like djembe, drums and shaker. The focus is on repetitive rhythm patterns, counting, reading music notes and story telling interaction using different rhythmic sounds.
“Percussion instruments are those that make sound upon being struck, scraped or rubbed by hand.
“Students need not have prior music knowledge to play percussion instrument. You only need to play them according to the beat,” says Nathaniel, who underwent a drum circle facilitators training course at the Village Music Circle in Hawaii in 2006.
In 2007, the RISE programme was awarded Best Community Arts Project at the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards.
The award enabled him to travel to Britain and study the working methods of special needs organisations there.
Nathaniel is always willing to go the extra mile to showcase his protege’s talents. In 2012, he flew five students from SCAS&FT to New Delhi in 2012 for Sambhav, an international performing arts event featuring talents of physically and mentally challenged persons.
He encourages parents with children with special needs to continue to motivate their children.
“These children need a lot of attention and extra loving care. Never give up on them.
“Try different methods to develop their rhythmic sensibilities. With the right stimulation, the students’ confidence, self esteem and concentration will increase,” says Nathaniel. Hand In Hand With The Star2 takes place at Ruang by Think City, 2 Jalan Hang Kasturi in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow Sept 29 (10am - 8pm).
There will be workshops and talks, community drum circle, mini concert and bazaar at the event. Entrance is free.
For more details, call 012-431 6249 (Jackie) or browse www. facebook.com/events/ 219279562279441.