Michael Gilbourne,60, from New Mills has drummed with 10cc and has recorded with Barclay James Harvest, amongst others, but has now discovered a fresh and satisfying lease of life as a therapist – introducing music to young people and adults who have a wide range of special needs.

The power of music has so far helped clients with learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, Retts Syndrome, Aspergers syndrome and autism.

He says: "Even the most challenged youngsters can play music on a handsonic instrument which allows them to make their own sounds using just a fingertip over a sensor.

"I recently worked with a teenage girl with cerebral palsy who is also blind, and she produced an astonishing piece of music which staggers me to this day when I play it back.

"The young lady produced the series of notes after I fixed an infra red sensor, in front of her nose.

"She was then able to move her head just enough to trigger beautiful sounds that were recorded onto my keyboard hard drive."

Michael uses a vast array of musical instruments – including a midi creator – which allows anyone to control music by waving, walking, wiggling a finger or even just sitting down.

Michael is currently working with patients in palliative care and dementia wards.

He said: "The sessions have been fantastic for staff too, highlighting how powerful music is, in a group situation, to nurture memories, to take part, to sing or just simply watch.

"One young man had an acquired brain injury, (encephalitis) which caused massive memory and speech loss and epilepsy. Several months of playing piano together evoked memories of him and his sister singing and dancing and of his own skill at piano playing.

"The young man eventually came out out of palliative care and started attending a centre where he is now doing activities such as IT and football.

"It is very fulfiling when someone enjoys or benefits from my work."

Michael is still working as a freelance drummer and percussionist with North West musicians, both on the jazz and R and B circuit. He also teaches drummers from beginners to advanced.

He says: "My passion for music therapy came out of losses in my own life. I trained as a person-centred counsellor and I hope to be a 100 per cent therapist in music in the near future."

Young people who are in residential care are brought to Michael's home in the High Peak to take advantage of his recording and teaching studio where they invariably become absorbed by the sounds – some using the very latest technology – on offer.

* A free dvd can be sent to anyone interested in Michael's work. He can be contacted at mdrumtalk@googlemail.com or tel 01663 749870.