Albie is 12 years old and lives in the Sevenoaks District. He learned about our online guitar course on our Facebook page and was really keen to sign up.
Having ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, social anxiety, Sleep Apnoea, ticks and Tourette’s, Albie can find it quite difficult to sit through an entire hour of one activity. Albie was worried that he may not be accepted onto the course due to his additional needs, but we were quick to reassure him that we’d love for him to take part and all of our youth services activities are open to all. 
It was clear from the first session that Albie was passionate about learning guitar, giving the session his full attention and asking questions as the hour progressed. It was also really obvious Albie had been learning a bit in advance of the first session, as he was quick to pick up the notes and chords. As the course progressed each week, it became a defined part of Albie’s week and of his routine, which was really important.
Being at home and having his world turned upside down due to the pandemic, it’s been really important for the family to have a routine for Albie, as his Autism means that this is how he feels most comfortable. Albie has continued to attend school three days a week during the pandemic, at Rowhill School in Longfield, where many of his lessons focus on learning by doing. Having gone from being a school-refuser a few years ago, Albie is now thriving at his new school, where he enjoys music therapy and is also learning to play the keyboard.
There are some aspects of the pandemic that Albie has found it difficult coming to terms with, such as wanting to invite the guitar tutor round to his house for tea and cake. Albie’s mum Dawn calls this one of “the joys of Autism”.
Albie is now very close to completing our ten-week guitar programme and has learned all the notes, chords, finger movements and around ten new songs.
This is just the latest in a string of amazing achievements for Albie, who has also performed live in a choir, in a showcase for Andrew Lloyd-Webber and at the Bluewater opening ceremony.
Charlotte Ede, Community Investment Manager says:
“It’s been a pleasure to see Albie progress over the last eight weeks, learning a new skill and having the patience and perseverance to see it through. Albie is a truly amazing young person with a lot to offer the world. We think he’s a shining example of what a young person can achieve if they put their mind to it.”
Our next course of guitar lessons are now available to book, for more details visit our youth services page.