The Glasshouse

Giulian is an inspiration who’s never let Cerebral Palsy stop him from playing music. He first walked through our doors at five years old, he’s now 14. Giulian’s dedication to our Make Music programme has propelled him into the Centre for Advanced Training, where he’s embracing music creation. We sat down with Giulian’s mother Elisabetta to hear about his musical journey.

What was your initial reaction when Giulian expressed an interest in music? Why did he choose to play the violin?

Giulian has loved classical music since he was very little. I didn’t know if having Cerebral Palsy would stop him from playing an instrument. When he started making music at The Glasshouse, he didn’t just go into a room with a tutor and learn how to play the violin – it was much more than that. For the first year, the group learned about rhythm and musical language through play. When Giulian picked up the violin, it felt like fun.

How has being part of the programme and performing with others helped Giulian feel connected to a community of young musicians?

He was shy when he was younger. Interacting with others helped his musical and personal journey. In an orchestra, you must collaborate with other musicians, so he’s become better at considering other people’s needs. This year, he’s part of an ensemble where they create new music together and express themselves.

Has Giulian’s involvement in music affected his social life and friendships?

It was harder for Giulian to make friends as he’s differently able. He couldn’t play sports like football or rugby, sometimes this made him feel lonely. At The Glasshouse, he’s with like-minded people who want to spend all their time doing what he does. It’s provided him with a community of people his age with the same passions. We’ve both made lots of friends over the years.

How has Giulian grown musically during his time here?

Giulian started with the violin and now makes music with a computer, inspired by a RNS Moves concert we attended. He still plays the violin in the school orchestra, but his main instrument is now laptop production software. His music leaders have nurtured these new compositional skills; he played his songs during a Make Music showcase last July. The response was incredible. Giulian also studies the piano and is considering learning the drums.

What challenges has Giulian faced on his musical journey, and what steps did the Make Music leaders take to help him overcome them?

At the end of Giulian’s first year at The Glasshouse, it was time to choose an instrument. The team and I thought the cello might be easier for him, but he was determined to play the violin. Mastering the basics of the violin was physically hard for Giulian – he didn’t have the fine precision needed to play. The team were supportive and researched solutions. We found a specialist chair for him to sit on, which helped his posture.

Another music leader suggested using a bow hold to help keep the bow straight. At every step of the way, the music leaders have been responsive to Giulian’s needs and found ways to help him. He’s never felt pressured, and if he’s aching, it’s fine to take a break.

How has music helped Giulian develop confidence in other aspects of his life outside of music?

He found self-confidence because he could say, “If I can play the violin, I can do anything.”

 

It propelled him forward so much that he started exploring other things. He now teaches physics to other children by posting videos on YouTube, featuring the music he composes.

Recently, he was proud to present at a medical conference to an audience of health professionals at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. The organisers asked him to talk about being differently able but not letting his condition stop him. In the presentation, he shared how much he valued learning music at The Glasshouse.

In what ways do you believe Giulian’s experience has inspired other young people who are differently able?

It’s important that Giulian and I inspire families with differently able children, exactly how other families have inspired us. Pianist Sarah Fisher is differently able, and I saw her perform beautifully at The Glasshouse. Everyone must have believed in her so much – that inspired me to encourage Giulian. When other families see Giulian in showcases or when he plays the violin at school, they’ll feel confident that they can do it too.

What is Giulian hoping to do in the future, and how will his time at Make Music support those aspirations?

I encourage him to forget what he can’t do and concentrate on what he excels at. Alongside music, Giulian likes many different subjects. He wants to be a neurological paediatrician in the future to help other young people like him. But he certainly wants to continue composing with electronics in some way.

Music excites Giulian. When he creates or plays music, he feels a sense of pride. Whatever his chosen path, he’ll take everything experienced at The Glasshouse forward with him.