The power of music and connection: Trystan
Meet Trystan, a curious nine-year-old whose love for music is growing every day. In Year One, he was excited to start learning an instrument, and now he’s eager to explore even more. Recently, he’s shown interest in the piano and has started playing the recorder at school. His passion for music is clear, and he’s open to trying new things, soaking up every moment.
Trystan is part of the In Harmony Newcastle Gateshead music programme, which brings him so much joy. “When I have an In Harmony lesson at school, I feel a spring in my step,” he shares. He’s the first person in his family to play an instrument, and seeing him enjoy music is wonderful for his growth as a young person.
Being part of this programme has opened up new opportunities for Trystan, like performing on stage and joining the Make Music programme at The Glasshouse. His mum, Gemma, enjoys listening to his one-to-one lessons and takes mental notes to help him practice at home – she’s even learned how to hold a bow properly.
With the support of the In Harmony team, Trystan decided to join Make Music at The Glasshouse. “They told me it would be a great place for Trystan to grow as a musician,” she says. It’s been a natural step for him. Recently, when his Make Music tutor set five tasks for the students, Trystan liked it so much that he completed ten. The lessons are high quality, and he learns so much there.
The tutors at In Harmony and Make Music have been instrumental in Trystan’s growth as a musician.
“They’re all lovely and supportive, helping him build his confidence,” his mum explains.
Although he was a little nervous during his first Make Music session, the tutors’ calm and approachable manner helped him settle in. In no time, he made remarkable progress, learning to read the score instead of just looking at his hands while playing the cello.
Trystan has autism spectrum disorder, and he tends to take things to heart. All his tutors are patient and help him improve. He feels comfortable at Make Music, and it’s a wonderful focus for him.
Music has had a profound impact on Trystan’s confidence. “He loves understanding music,” his mum says. “It makes him feel confident.” When they listen to songs in the car, he counts the bars and taps his knee to the rhythm, picking up on details that improve his learning at In Harmony and Make Music.
Trystan turns to music, especially on tough days.
“When he’s feeling down, he blasts music and becomes a completely different child,” she explains. “This newfound positivity even carries over into his other lessons at school.”
There’s not one specific moment that stands out in Trystan’s musical journey; he enjoys the entire experience. “It fills his heart with joy, and he feels in control when he plays an instrument,” his mum says. Watching him grow up with this passion is a joy.
One memorable story from last summer is when a family friend looked after him for the day. She has a keyboard, and Trystan played it, even though he had never had formal lessons. He was thrilled to video call his mum and show off an original song he created after practicing for ages. He even downloaded a keyboard app for his iPad.
Before last summer, they attended the John Marley Centre for Lego Club, but Trystan made a beeline for the piano instead of the Lego. “He has the courage to give any instrument a go,” his mum says proudly.
As for his future in music, Trystan dreams of becoming a music teacher and composing his own songs. His mum is searching for the right high school to support his musical development, ideally one with an active music department. A music scholarship would be perfect, and she’s looking into options.
“Trystan is right where he needs to be now with In Harmony and Make Music. Studying music takes up a lot of our time, and I’m usually carting the cello around. But it’s worth it for Trystan to follow his passion,” she adds with a smile.
After the pandemic, Trystan couldn’t bring a cello home to practice. Thanks to Make Music, he can now do this again. Every Monday morning, they go to his school early to practice for 20 minutes, and it’s a highlight of their week.