“Volunteering was something I first experienced and enjoyed at school, so when I came to York and found out about the Music Education Group (MEG) I was keen to get involved.
"I went to a couple of workshops as a volunteer during my first year and really liked it so I went for the Mental Health Rep position for my second year and in my third I became Chair.
"My dissertation ended up being based on a MEG project I ran in autumn term which looked at inter-generational music projects. I was looking at the effects and benefits of workshops on local older people and school children.
"MEG opened up my eyes as I’ve been introduced to environments and situations that I might not have otherwise been able to experience - I’ve run workshops at charities for adults with special needs, in NHS mental health wards and on dementia wards.
"The African drumming workshops I ran for adults with special needs had a focus on the musical outcome, but for me the most important thing was seeing the social benefit of the experience on those involved. I’ve definitely seen their confidence and musical skills build over time.
"My next plan is to do a PGCE in Secondary Education. I'm looking forward to it and particularly interested in exploring teaching in special education schools.
"One day I would love to set up my own music education charity, but for now, I think teaching is a really good starting point.”
Lori, BA Music, Vanbrugh, Humans of York, June 2020
