Guest Blog: Adam Stanley's Work Experience

In May 2025, my son participated in a week-long work experience at The Music Man Project in Southend-on-Sea. It was wonderful to share this time with him and to give him an insight into my work. Here is his first published blog as a journalist!

Kingsdown Special School

I felt slightly intimidated as I walked into Kingsdown School for the very first time. My eyes were met by children in wheelchairs whizzing down the school corridors. Seeing the disabilities of these children firsthand took me by surprise. Since the job my Dad has involves being with and talking to children and adults with disabilities every day, I have more experience than most other teenagers at communicating with them. However, seeing these children in a school environment was something I was not used to and was taken aback by. I meandered down several corridors until I reached the classroom where my Dad teaches music every Wednesday morning. A lot of instruments were in the room, including a drum kit which I, being a drummer myself, was pleased to see. The thought that these instruments are being used by children with these challenges was really inspiring. After we prepped the instruments and equipment, the first lesson was ready to start.

Suddenly, little children came bursting into the classroom, their excitement passing over to me, my Dad and his colleague, Jenny. After a quick introduction, the 25-minute lesson began, and my Dad began teaching them various skills on the African drums and other instruments. One thing that amazed me throughout the whole morning was the children’s confidence to perform on their own in front of everyone else. This proves how disabilities may affect your ability to do certain things but does not affect confidence and putting yourself out there to try new things! Fast forward another hour, I’m standing in another classroom, this time with 5 or 6 children in wheelchairs, hardly able to move a muscle. However, I was astounded by their ability to respond to my Dad’s piano playing and Jenny’s singing. There was one boy I was supporting who could communicate with people by selecting options on his computer with his head movements. As the clock struck 11, it was time for assembly and what really surprised me is that despite all the additional needs these children have, the assemblies are no different to other schools. I particularly liked the Golden Certificates section. It proved that everyday activities we take for granted can be massive achievements for people with learning disabilities - such as picking up an object from a standing position, going to toilet independently or counting. After the assembly, my Dad led school orchestra, which once again proved to me that music is so important for the development of these children.

My time at Kingsdown School was sadly over, and I left with a different view on Special Needs education. One thing which amazed me was how much the children loved and respected my Dad and Jenny. I think there are many reasons for this - one of them being that music is very interactive and they can have fun playing instruments and singing. I also think it is because of how kind and respectful my Dad is towards the children and how calm he remains with them. Throughout the day I really enjoyed getting involved with the instrument playing, showing off my drumming skills, but most importantly caring for the children and helping them to develop.

Playing Jazz at The Music Man Project

Other highlights of my work experience week at The Music Man Project include helping the adults learn about Jazz. In particular, I love this video of me with Music Man Project Thursday group member, Anthony.

Glenwood School Choir

I also really enjoyed visiting Glenwood Special School where I got to play drums for Dad’s 30-minute online choir session.

Royal Marines Recording

Finally, on Friday I got a glimpse of Dad’s wider Music Man Project charity work because a member of His Majesty’s Band of the Royal Marines came to Southend to record the student’s singing 3 of Dad’s songs for a music video with the Royal Marines. This was a really busy day with 40 Music Man Project students supported by 35 members of Southend Vox choir. I helped Lance Corporal Jack from the Royal Marines Band Service to set up his equipment.

In summary, I had a fantastic time exploring my Dad’s career in greater depth and enjoyed spending time with his students and creating a better relationship with them. I also enjoyed filming on the digital tripod to capture special moments. All of this will help pursue my career in journalism.

Adam Stanley, Aged 15