What is Sensory Sounds?

Sensory Sounds specialises in teaching kit drums and rhythm to children and adults with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) either in school, in their home setting or online.

"Allowing a student with a disability (ADHD, Anxiety, ASC,Dyslexia) to struggle academically or socially when all is needed for success are understanding, appropriate accommodations and explicit instructions, is no different than failing to provide a ramp for a person in a wheelchair."

About Me.

My name is Paul Barretta and I’m the founder of Sensory Sounds and PB Drums. I’ve been playing drums for over 50 years and teaching for more than 30. I have a passion for teaching drums to those with ASC (Autistic Spectrum Conditions). Being the father of a special needs child, I saw first-hand the enormous benefit and enjoyment gained through learning a musical instrument.

I currently teach several days a week in both a specialist ASC school and a mainstream school, working with SEN and neuro-typical students. I also have a number of private and home schooled pupils who I visit in their homes, as often this is where their comfort zone is.

I have a personal understanding of ASC and was a school governor for 7 years, responsible for SEN and cared for children. I am fully DBS certified.

Class of 2021 Receiving their Sensory Sound Certificates.

" Just wanted to say (and not sure you need to hear it) but you truly are an outstanding teacher. We really value and appreciate you. Thank you for all your time, effort, passion and patience you put into your time with S. We know everything you do and say comes from a place of care, so thank you."

Alessandra W.

How to support people with autism.

Explain at every stage what you are about to do, what will happen next and why.
Give the person enough time to understand the information you are sharing and wait a few seconds for a response if not given immediately.
Questions should be clear and direct using language that is easy to understand and pictures where necessary. Do not rely on the person to pick up on the meaning of your questions or body language.
People with autism might take what you say literally so avoid words with a double meaning and humour that could be misunderstood.
Maintain a routine, familiarity is often important to some people with autism.
Social difficulties may include lack of eye contact, unusual body language and talking at inappropriate moments.
Repetitive behaviours might be a coping mechanism and therefore should be respected.
The environment is important - some people with autism are particularly sensitive to light, movement, sound, smell and touch. Try to keep the immediate environment as calm as possible to help alleviate any anxiety.
Always consider the person's behaviour in terms of their autism, even if it becomes challenging.

D. was smiling from ear to ear, he had the best time ever. He expressed how wonderful it was and spoke about you being very cool and kind. He also said 'I may have found my passion.' He has been struggling with school a little so this is going to help motivate him, I only wish he could have drumming lessons everyday! I can't thank you enough for his first experience with the drums being so wonderful!

S.H.

A very well deserved Merit.

"Paul has been teaching my son for a couple of years now and he always looks forward to his lessons. Paul demonstrates kindness and patience with L, who has short term memory difficulties, making the lessons fun and informative. Whilst my son is not great and practicing independently, he has made progress with the encouragement provided. Until COVID restrictions the lessons took place in our home, but now have moved online. I believe Paul demonstrates a friendly, professional, supportive and adaptable way of working and would have no hesitation in recommending him."

Carol H.

An excellent Distinction for Grade 2.

'Paul has been teaching my now, 15 year old son for the last 2 years. My son has a reduced amount of movement in his arms, his posture is abnormal and he tires quickly. Paul has always made him feel as if he is no different and has worked around his disability. Paul's passion to teach shines through every lesson and has helped blossom my son's passion for drums. Paul's lessons have made such an impact on my son, I could not recommend him enough.'

Hannah T.

A very well deserved Merit.

What's your learning style?

VISUAL - You prefer using pictures, images and spatial understanding.
AUDITORY - You prefer using sound and music.
VERBAL - You prefer using words both in speech and writing.
KINESTHETIC - You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

5. LOGICAL - You prefer using logic, reasoning and system.

6. SOCIAL - You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.

7. SOLITARY - You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Another Distinction!

"Paul has been teaching my son for over 3 years. His patience and support has been endless and J has learnt so much - not just how to play the drums (pretty well!) but also in self confidence and recognising his skills as a drummer. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Paul to anyone."

Nicola S.

A very well deserved Merit.

DID YOU KNOW?

"Watching your favourite films over and over again is good for you. The repetition calms you because knowing the outcome of a story helps you to feel safe."

"20% of children learn to play an instrument/ 70% of adults wish they had."

"So called mild autism doesn't mean one experiences autism mildly. It means YOU experience their autism mildly. You may not know how hard they've had to work to get to the level they are." - Adam Walton-

"People always tell the introverts to leave their comfort zone, yet no one ever tells the extroverts to adapt their behaviour and make the zone more comfortable."

"A small child who was autistic met a vet who was autistic too. He asked if he could pet the cat she was holding and the vet said yes. when he was finished stroking the cat, his mother told him to say thank you and he thanked the kitten."

"Why does an autistic or anxious child repeatedly asks questions they already know the answer to? It's not information they're after, its reassurance. They need to be assured that nothing has unexpectedly changed."

An excellent Distinction.

Thanks Paul. I am so happy with your services and your kindness and ability to teach. I would recommend you to anyone. E has really taken off since you advised him to pay along to music he likes and writing all the sheet music for him. He does half an hour each night and genuinely looks forward to his lessons and your being proud of him. Thank you for everything you do."

Kara G.

And another Distinction.

Paul has been teaching my son, at home, for over two years and we couldn't recommend him highly enough! We didn't have access to a drum kit initially but that certainly didn't impede my son's enjoyment or progression and we have been amazed to see how far he has come. He loves his lessons with Paul and a huge bonus has been the positive affect it has had on our son's focus, something the school has commented on. Paul's gently guidance and lighthearted manner has been hugely successful in getting the very best out of my son, he loves his lessons and loves his teacher!"

Lisa. D

I know we all put a 5 star for the people we know but Paul is genuinely deserving of it. I have two sons taking lessons, the elder (who is really into it) has grown and extended an amazing amount over the last year. The younger (less so) has been nurtured and developed through Paul's incredible patience and love to become a competent and increasingly able drummer. Both my boys look forward to Paul's visits while other music teachers get shunned or ignored.
Great teacher, great bloke, caring and nurturing. I would trust my boys with him till the cows came home.
Bruce H.

My son has been having drum lessons for a while now with Paul and with his expertise and brilliant teaching has done very well. He has already passed his grade 1 certificate which was achieved in a couple of months. This shows to me the high level of teaching and interaction Paul has with my son in his lessons. I would highly recommend Paul as he is a great and helpful teacher, he interacts with all levels of children and has the patience to help any child achieve great success when learning to play the drums."

Jane. W

'T' has been having drum lessons with Paul for nearly 2 years. T has SEN and I cannot thank Paul enough for always having the time and patience. It's really helped with T's concentration and it is his weekly highlight to see Paul and have his drum lesson.
Sam M.

Contact Me

If you would like to explore drum lessons for your child, your school or for individual students, please feel free to contact me.

I am based in Croydon and work the surrounding areas

07525 664 677

references available upon request.