What others say

“When I am playing the music, I feel really happy. I feel part of something special when I play gamelan.”

Participant, community project, 2023

“The teamwork and collaboration were incredibly powerful to witness”

Staff, prison project, 2023

“I realised I am good at leadership and my confidence came out which is something I will try to continue to show”

Participant, prison project, 2023

“We have been amazed at the curiosity and engagement of all participants. The sessions have been very well received and offered the opportunity for building confidence.”

Staff, community project, 2023

“This is a space I come to and I don’t feel I’m in jail. I’m always looking for something artistic to take me out of the environment. Some of you were strangers but there’s a human connection – it’s magical, to bond in a group where I don’t know everyone but when playing the music, I feel I do.”

Participant 2020

“I feel really welcomed. We’ve all done something bad, criminal but we are still human. In here I feel like a different person, not the same person who committed a crime.”

Participant 2020

“The project does so many things. Firstly it puts a group of men, who are only usually joined by their justice system connections, together. Status and ego walk through the door initially, but they have to be put to one side to master playing gamelan. The conversation they have is now different – they now start to work together in a way that puts them out of their comfort zone but without risk as everyone is in the same boat.” 

Partner of participant, 2020

“It was great that the participants had an audience to acknowledge what they had achieved and their pride in the music they created was infectious … Clearly, their confidence and sense of self had been affected by the activity.”

Arts Council England Relationship Manager, Harry McIver, 2016

“A couple of times I went feeling a bit low beforehand but I felt so much happier after the session.”

Participant, community project, 2023

”A lot of the guys have mental health issues and I feel this group has helped them immensely”

Staff, prison project, 2023

“The session is very welcoming and brings out the best in people. The vibrations and harmonies feel very healing and soothing to the nervous system.”

Participant, community project, 2023

“The therapy I’ve gained through this project has eased a lot of resentment I have been building internally”

Participant 2020

“The tiredness and tightness of chest yesterday had gone by the end of today.”

A participant, 2020

“It is good for the mind, body and soul. This is what I call rehabilitation for prisoners.

 A participant, 2018

“What I loved about it was the companionship was very good. I’m not musical myself but I ended up loving every minute of it. It was a joy. My daughter come to me and she said to me, “Mummy, it’s so different – you sort of blossom.”

A participant, whose adult daughter encouraged her to join the course, 2017

“One young lad thoroughly engaged with the task of conducting the group. He refined his skills as the week went on.”

Staff, prison project, 2023

“I came to the performance and was very impressed by its quality. Thank you all for organising such a positive experience for our men.”

Staff, prison project, 2023

“I feel better playing music, it’s a good way of expressing yourself and connecting with others”

Participant, hospital project, 2022

“I thought I’d be nervous in the performance but everyone was in the zone. If I could bottle it, that feeling, I’d love to – adrenalin, nerves, apprehension, then just getting into the music and feeling it.”

A participant, 2018

“I’ve really enjoyed the course. Not just making music but talking about music and poetry. Very creative time, inspiring and relaxing”

Participant, prison project, 2023

“Five days ago, we were just a mass of noise and today we’ve done a concert, having never played before.”

A participant, 2018

“I’m speechless. Yeah, it was a really, really touching experience. I was just really moved. I didn’t know what to expect, and I just think, in five days it’s such a short time to create such good music.”

An audience member, 2017