Andrew says his new Home in Place managed SDA home in Sydney is giving him independence and the opportunity to revive his drum teaching business.
He only moved in June but says he is already reaping so many benefits.
“I have gained so much independence, I have been able to cut my Hireup support in half,” Andrew says.
“I am cooking for myself, often doing my own meal prep. I only use my supports when things are more difficult. My partner Miriam comes to stay a little and I get to cook for her a bit. It is so great being able to reach a stove from my wheelchair.”
Reviving his drum teaching business is another benefit Andrew hopes his new SDA home will bring. Andrew has been a drummer for 44 years and teaching for 20 years.
“I am trying to re-establish myself a little as COVID killed my work. I can work with NDIS Plan or self-managed people who wish to use their funding.”
When his parents bought him a drum kit at the age of 10, it was about overcoming challenges as well as a love for music. He has performed internationally and co-founded Can Do Musos, an organisation that supports musicians with disabilities worldwide.
“Despite my disability I never took no for an answer.”
“I’d been watching lots of music shows on TV, particularly Countdown, and wanted to be that drummer on the stage.”
Andrew started teaching drumming after leaving a career in IT.
“I wanted to do something more rewarding in my life and help others.”
He says he is not a music therapist, but his lessons are much like therapy sessions. He teaches using his life experience of living with Cerebral Palsy.
“I use backing tracks of popular songs to teach students to play by feel rather than by a book.”
“Many of my students have Autism, Cerebral Palsy, ABIs, or vision impairment. Some lessons help people learn to retain information as drumming is so repetitive. One student I was teaching to play popular rock songs to help build his memory after a major car accident.”
As well as individual tutoring, Andrew does drum circles using hand drums and percussion for groups for up to 15 people. For details of his services visit www.drummerstix.com.au.
