Testimonies

It is not just us who believe that music therapy can play a vital part in addressing the needs of children and adults who remain at risk within Romania’s care system:
From Jo Whiley, BBC Radio 1 DJ:   “Just because someone can't find the words, doesn't mean they don't have the feelings. If someone cannot speak, it doesn't mean they don't have something to say. When someone has a disability, it doesn't mean they don't have abilities too. Music therapy gives people with special needs the chance to make the most of their potential through creative music-making.
Jo Whiley, BBC Radio 1 DJ	I bring music into people's lives via the radio and I've experienced the power of music for people with learning disabilities firsthand through my sister, Frances. It's been an absolute lifeline for her and has given her such joy over the years. Where she might struggle interacting with people, music has been there providing common ground. She's made so many friends through a shared love of music and been able to express herself through the music she listens to and makes.
Music as Therapy has spent the past ten years taking music therapy to people living in places where it wouldn't otherwise be available through skill-sharing projects. For those of us who have easy access to music every day, in whatever form we favour, it’s hard to describe what it adds to our lives.  Music as Therapy doesn’t just add to lives, it changes lives.”
From Tony Hawks, Comedian, author and broadcaster:   “For a small charity, Music as Therapy manages to improve the quality of life for a hell of a lot of children and adults in Romania.  From my own experience of the country, it's not the easiest place to live and work, but it is cheap.  This means that even the smallest donation goes a long way and Music as Therapy certainly seems to do impressive things on a tight budget.”	(Tony Hawks, comedian, author and broadcaster)
From The Association of Professional Music Therapists (UK):  "The application of music to help people who are, for example, disabled, mentally ill or institutionalised is clearly developing fast in Romania with the support of Music as Therapy.  All this work is vitally important - not least for the clients who receive therapy. UK music therapy has benefited too, as the projects have provided opportunities for UK therapists to broaden their skills and for prospective UK music therapy students to gain valuable experience to take into their training.”
From the former Romanian Secretary of State, Gabriela Coman:   "I assure you of the fact that the problem related to the training of staff working in the child care system, especially of those who work directly with children and can influence their quality of life, is a real priority for us.  I understand that you will return in Romania in autumn of this year and that you wish to have a discussion about the possibility of training the staff at their place of work and about the role of Music as Therapy in taking care of children with disabilities. I am convinced that this meeting will be useful for both sides…”
And from our Romanian Partners:
	"The music programme offers the advantage of improving communication, giving pleasure, channelling the energies of the group, raising awareness of all members of the group and developing each person's  abilities. We have always wanted to do this and, with your visit, our dream has come true."
"I like music very much and I listen to it all the time. I knew it was a way of relaxing, but I didn’t realise the power of this. I am now convinced that this nature of music can help children with problems."
	"I really appreciate that the emphasis of this training was put on working directly with the children, without neglecting an introduction to theory and clearly presented aims and objectives. I am really pleased that we could discuss with you how we would organise a session and how we could evaluate a child’s progress."