Ancient civilisations recognised the power of music to heal, prescribing it as medicine for all kinds of illnesses and disease. These days, music therapy is an established clinical practice with the potential to improve the well-being of almost anyone in need.
I joined a church choir at the age of eight. My father was a musician as was his second eldest brother who played in orchestras aboard liners before WW2. I left the choir in my early 20s after travelling abroad several times taking part in festivals. I joined several music groups singing in shows and pantomimes, taking comedy parts. I gave up after some years due to work and marriage which interfered with each other. But all of this musical activity has kept me with a calm attitude to life. I play many forms of music whilst busy and often not actually properly ‘listening’ but the hearing keeps me at a constant level of attitude. I find music to be a very levelling thing in my life.