It’s been an amazing year watching KRC (Kernow Recovery Community) go from strength to strength and I have been lucky enough to introduce my music sessions into the mix. I have been a guitarist since my teens and have played in many bands both live and in studio sessions, often just a step behind some well known names.
Among my favourite artists are Steely Dan, Jeff Beck, Soft Machine etc. I love improvisation and enjoy certain types of Jazz (not trad) especially stuff with challenging voicing and requiring slick navigation around keys.
I believe music is a great therapy for people in recovery, its mindful and expressive at any skill level.
I was delighted to have the opportunity to shadow the wonderful Jo Ballard at her music sessions in Launceston for ten weeks. I needed to build my confidence to be able to deliver my own sessions and working with Jo helped me focus on my strengths and weaknesses. I found singing very challenging and awkward, but Jo really praised my voice and gave me the freedom to sing without it being such a big deal.
I learned how to give people the opportunity to guide the sessions based on their own musical tastes and abilities and bring them together as a group. It was an absolute joy to see everyone taking part in the creative process and hearing the joyful spiritual result. I love the way a group of individuals can be united in music, its truly magical.
I gave Jo two cd’s of my own music and she said she was “Blown away” by my work and couldn’t understand why I was not signed to a record label.
My shadowing time with Jo was a wonderful time that really helped build my confidence. We really “clicked” as musicians and gained a great mutual respect. She went on to say that having me there at the sessions boosted her confidence also.
I gained so much from this and am delighted if I gave a little bit back. Fantastic.
– Mike, Expert by Experience at the Kernow Recovery Community.