A child like Katherine

Twelve-year-old Katherine has a real love of the violin. AMBER’s support has enabled her to join a local String Group, where she is able to practise her violin playing and work in a team of sighted peers. She also has one-to-one lessons with an experienced teacher who adapts the lesson and materials to Katherine’s needs. All this has given Katherine the confidence to perform in front of large audiences at school and in the String Group.

Katherine says: Wthout music I wouldn’t have such a creative mind to think up different tunes and how to play them. Learning to play an instrument can make you feel very successful. My teacher congratulates me when I have done things well, which encourages me even more. I hope that I can show people than even though I look different and can’t see as well as them, I am still similar.

Katherine’s mother says: Music helps Katherine practice essential hand-to-eye coordination skills, as well as giving her a structure to her day and a way of relaxing. The musical groups provide a wider social network for her to share her enjoyment of music – she is now far more at ease in front of unfamiliar people.