Instruments Played :- Guitar, Mandolin, Low Whistles, Tin Whistles, Harmonica, Bodhran and vocals

 My name is Willie McArthur. I hail from Kirkcaldy in Fife. I have lived and worked in Christchurch, New Zealand for more than 10 years now.  I have been involved in professional music for approximately twelve years.

During my Time in NZ, I have played in Mostly in the Celtic Music Scene, from 3-5 piece Celtic Traditional to 5 piece Celtic Rock band “The Dublin Street Band”, and as a solo performer as” Jock N’A Box.” During this time I have Been Involved in Seven C.D recordings.

 I have been providing music and music and movement  to children, the intellectually  disabled and the elderly for approximately 5 years in New Zealand and 2 years in Scotland. Below are some of the organizations I have been involved with to date.

 After School Project– Paisley Scotland - This was a service provided for the social work department of the Renfrewshire district council. The children I worked with were young boys and girls heading toward  their teens and experiencing problems settling in to secondary schools. Some of the children had behavioral and emotional difficulties. The music sessions I created involved an introduction to rhythm and percussion,  promoting an interest in music,  group interaction and confidence building.

 Disability Scotland– Paisley, Scotland - Performed concerts for special occasions, and hosted several sessions with groups of mixed disability offering a  general introduction to Celtic and traditional  music.

Horizons Day Options Opawa (N.Z) - a day center for the intellectually disabled, with and average age of 30-50.  As a supervisor and music Facilitator, I set up my own  music and movement program, and set up documenting and analysing procedures.

 St Andrews Music and Movement Group (N.Z) -  Co-Running a group for mothers and toddlers,  providing an introduction to music and dance and a wide range of instruments. This requires planning programs and interacting with the parents as an advisor on the childrens development and reaction to music.

 Crann Tara Celtic Culture Group (voluntary)- Using my knowledge of Celtic culture and music to educate children and parents with a similar interest and promote their further exploration of the subject. As an active Committee member, I was responsible for researching  new material and teaching other members how to implement it.

 Discovery One Learning Community (Voluntary - my daughter was attending the school) Assisting Learning advisors and other parents. Providing music based learning activities and personal tuition for children aging between 5 and 11, averaging 15- 20 hours a week. My hours worked are recognised by Chrischurch Polytechnic and  count towards a parent and teacher education certificate.

 The Friendship Choir– I was employed to act as an Assistant Director for a choir run by a private trust. The choir consisted of 43 Intellectually Disabled  adults of varying disabilities, I would run the choir when the director was unavailable, liase with volunteers,  and general assistance. I designed , recorded and produced a  live audio performance of the choir for sale.

Here some of the techniques I have used  as a Music Facilitator. I am not formally trained in these practises, I have formulated them  through practical experimentation, and formulating my own methods, whilst working closely with other professionals. These programs have proved successful  with children, adults and the disabled alike.

Music Interpretation – Using, art, language, drama and dance to interprate a variety of musical pieces, promoting communication in many forms. This has a proven to be a powerful tool to truly understand an individual.

 Relaxation through music– Using live instruments, song, pre-recorded media and essential oils etc, I demonstrate breathing and relaxation techniques, promoting inner exploration and anger/emotional  management.

Music By Ear-  Using simple instruments, percussion and following by example, I help the individual discover a true passion for music and prove than anyone can learn to play some thing. Great confidence builder.  I myself play completely by ear.

Exercise and Physical stimulation-  Using basic circle dances, brain gym, passing games Etc, encouraging team work, timing and hand eye co-ordination. The intensity of the session depends on the level of the participants as do all the programs.

General Sing Along Sessions– I will learn about the individuals I am working with and create a suitable singalong, based on abilitiy and preferance of material.