It’s my thought that organizations can make use of talented teaching artists, provided the teachers- and the organizations- have an understanding of the goals of the program, the participants’ needs, and what adaptive music means to all involved. Below, I’ll share some of the skills that are needed.
Read MoreI’ve partnered with Lucy’s Love Bus, a wonderful nonprofit that sponsors non-medical therapy services for children with cancer and their families, for a monthly ukulele club called Lucy’s Aloha Band for kids from all over New England.
This group isn't a traditional music therapy group since we didn't do intakes or evaluations of clients – it's more for fun and social/community-building, as well as expression. Generally, if kids are experiencing pain or anxiety, music will help reduce those, but that isn't a goal that we specifically talk about or address in the group.
Ukulele is a great instrument for beginners, non-musicians, and especially for kids (because of its small size!).
Read MoreThrough music therapy, clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. For example, music therapy was an integral part of Congresswoman Gabby Gifford’s rehabilitation to regain her speech after surviving a bullet wound to her brain… Music therapists work with adults with Parkinson’s disease to improve motor function and older adults to lessen the effects of Alzheimer’s. Music therapy can reduce physical pain and provide emotional support for clients and their families.
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