Together We Shine
The Spotlight is for Everyone
A welcoming and inclusive music based group in Falkirk, that focuses on wellbeing, regulation and shared positive experiences.
What makes Willow Tree different? Willow Tree isn't about performance or getting things right. Our sessions are designed to support wellbeing, confidence, participation and connection through shared creative experiences. Everyone is welcome to join in at their own pace and in their own way.
Together We Shine
Inclusive movement and music sessions providing a welcoming and structured space focused on particpation, confidence and shared enjoyment.
Storytellers
Storytellers is a calm, inclusive session using drama, imagination and sensory based storytelling to support engagement and participation.
Count Me In
Come along to our music therapy sessions for those 16 years and older. Count Me In is a fun filled musical experience where you can play along to your favourite songs and bands.
Meet David
Im David, founder of Willow Tree performing Arts. For more than 30 years I've worked in music, education and the performing arts, including professional work with Scottish Opera, Carl Rossa Opera and schools across Scotland.
Today my passion is creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where children, young people and adults with additional support needs can connect, participate and thrive through music, movement and creative expression.
My own journey into this work began through supporting my father during his experience of dementia. It showed me the power of music, connection and shared experiences, and inspired me to build programmes that focus on wellbeing, belonging and joy.
At Willow Tree, participation matters more than performance. Every session is designed to help people feel safe, valued and able to shine in their own way.
Structured Creative Provision for Pupils with ASN
Schools & Local Authority
We deliver calm, structured and regulation-informed creative sessions designed specifically for children and young people with Additional Support Needs. We work alongside schools and local authorities to support emotional regulation, confidence, communication and belonging through music-led and sensory-aware practice.
Our Approach
Every session follows a consistent structure designed to support safety and growth. Regulate>Connect>Expand>Express
Outcomes in Practice
Schools report improvements in emotional regulation, engagement and focus, peer interaction and confidence in communication.
Working in Partnership
We work collaboratively with staff & leadership teams. We aim to support & strengthen inclusive practice rather than operate in isolation.
Provision can support
ASN units, targeted inclusion groups, nurture or wellbeing groups, transition support. We operate with full safeguarding compliance.
30+
Years of Experience
80+
Happy Particpants
5+
Specialist Programs
100%
of Storytellers participants requested continuation
What makes Willow Tree different?
No auditions
No pressure to perform
Participation at your own pace
Regulation before activity
Music, movement and sensory engagement
Focus on wellbeing, connection and joy.
Why Choose Us
Through structured, music led and sensory aware practice, participants demonstrate growth in the following areas.
Emotional Regulation
Participants are supported to enter and leave sessions calmly, with improved self regulation over time.
Engagement & Focus
Predictable session architecture supports sustained participation and reduced withdrawal.
Confidence
Participants increasingly contribute, lead elements of sessions and engage with peers.
Arrange a conversation
If you would like to explore provision for your school, setting or family, we welcome an initial conversation. Willow Tree Performing Arts works across Central Scotland and is developing regional partnerships with schools and local authorities.
Get in touch today:
Testimonials
What Participants Are Saying
From stronger social skills to improved confidence and a genuine love for music, here’s what families, carers and participants have to share.
Together We Shine has become the highlight of the week. The atmosphere is calm, welcoming and joyful, and everyone is encouraged to take part in their own way
David has an incredible ability to connect with people who often struggle in traditional group settings. The sessions feel safe, supportive and genuinely inclusive
My son is non verbal and autistic so can be difficult to engage. I can tell he enjoys the sessions as he stays engaged throughout which is rare - the class is a joy from start to finish and we both leave feeling happy.
The lady I support is non verbal but smiles on her face were enough confirmation that she really enjoyed getting involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What ages are your classes suitable for?
Our classes are designed for children and young adults with a wide range of additional support needs, including autism spectrum conditions, learning disabilities, sensory processing differences, ADHD, and physical or communication differences. We welcome everyone - please get in touch if you're unsure whether your child would be suited to our sessions
2. Are your staff trained to teach people with Additional Support Needs?
Yes. All of our tutors have experience working with children and young adults with additional support needs, and hold relevant qualifications in both their arts discipline and inclusive practice. We follow safeguarding best practices, and all staff hold up-to-date PVG/DBS checks
3. What happens during a session?
Our sessions combine music, rhythm, movement, storytelling and creative activities in a structured and supportive environment. Every programme is designed to promote well-being, confidence, communication, connection and joy through shared creative experiences.
4. Do you offer taster sessions?
Yes, we strongly encourage taster sessions for new joiners. This gives your child the chance to meet David, explore the space, and try out a session at no pressure. It also helps us understand how best to support them going forward. Get in touch to arrange a taster at a time that suits you.
5. How much are sessions and is funding available?
Session fees vary depending on the type and length of class. We are committed to making our sessions as accessible as possible, and we can provide documentation to support funding applications through self-directed support (SDS), direct payments, or other local authority funding routes. Please get in touch to discuss your situation
6. Do participants need musical experience?
No. Our sessions are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless or previous musical or performing arts experience. Participants can join in at their own level and are supported to take part in ways that feel comfortable and enjoyable for them.
7. What support needs do you work with?
We work with children, young people and adults with a wide range of additional support needs, including:
Autism
Learning Difficulties
Down Syndrome
Physical Disabilities
Communication Differences
Sensory Processing Differences
Social, emotional and mental health needs.
Every participant is unique and we focus on adapting activities to meet individual needs rather than expecting people to fit a particular programme.
8. Is there pressure to perform?
No. Willow Tree is non-performative. Our focus is on participation, well-being, confidence, communication and joy. Participants are encouraged to engage in ways that feel comfortable for them. There is never any pressure to perform, speak, sing or take part in front of others.
9. Can carers, support workers or family members attend?
Yes. Carers, support workers and family members are welcome where appropriate. We recognise that some participants benefit from attending alongside someone they know and trust. Please contact us if you would like to discuss individual support arrangements.
10. Are Sessions Noisy?
Some sessions include music, singing, drumming and movement but we work hard to create a supportive and welcoming environment. Participants are never expected to join activities that feel overwhelming and we encourage people to take part in ways that suit their individual sensory needs. If you would like to discuss sensory considerations before attending, please get in touch.
11. Can schools book Willow Tree?
Yes, we regularly work with schools, ASN provisions, community organisations and support services. Our programmes can be adapted to meet the needs of different groups and settings. Please contact us to discuss availability, programme options and partnership opportunities.
12. What makes Willow Tree different?
We specialise in inclusive creative arts experiences for people with additional support needs.
Our programmes are designed around participation rather than performance and focus on helping people feel welcome, valued and succesful. We believe everyone should have access to meaningful creative experiences, regardless of their level of need.
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