The Lifemusic method uses improvised creative music making for health, wellbeing, community building - and for the pure joy of making music. Using instrumental and vocal 'games' (or 'holding forms'), music makers find themselves playing freely within the group, finding their sense of rhythm in expressive yet structured forms. Lifemusic is based around these four precepts:

- 'Everyone is musical' - Lifemusic supports the belief that everybody has the right to make music. The facilitator creates a fun, safe, and supported space to make music in the moment. Participators can play and explore a wide selection of easy access 'world' percussion, or equally bring their own instrument. Voice, of course, is an instrument we all can share!

-'There are no wrong notes in music' - meant literally! Fears melt away when there is no such thing as 'getting it wrong'.

- 'Every sound has a meaning' - every creative expression is valued in Lifemusic.

- 'Making music is an act of trust' - The Lifemusic method supports healing, wellbeing and positive relationships.

Biography

Rod Paton is the founder of the government funded Lifemusic and has over 30 years’ experience leading instrumental and vocal groups of all backgrounds and abilities. He has worked as a professional horn player, musical director, composer, teacher and music therapist. As a workshop leader he has run sessions all over Europe and in the USA. He is a senior lecturer in the music department at the University of Chichester where he teaches improvisation, composition, music therapy and community music.

View my website http://www.lifemusic.org/