Although four-year-old Marshall was born blind, he has always loved music. When his visul impairment support teacher, Eleanor, explained to his mother, Michelle, about how The AMBER Trust could help him, she was over the moon. Eleanor introduced Michelle and Marshall to Laura, who was involved with local rhythm and rhyme classes.

Marshall and a small group of friends now have a session with Laura each week, which all the children really look forward to. Afterwards Marshall enjoys time with Laura on his own. Michelle records each session so that Marshall can listen to them again and again and again.

Like most blind children, the more Marshall listens to people and noises, the better he is at recognising them. This, together with participating in group sessions, is also helping to develop Marshall's social skills. Since starting Laura's sessions, Michelle has noticed a big change in her son. His reaction to music is now focused not only on the tune or beat, but also on who is singing and what instruments are being played. He is listening to all noises more intently and thinking more about the music.