By Chris Robinson
Director, Foundation For Music and Healing, Inc.
A unique fine arts adventure offered by the Foundation for Music and Healing, Inc. involves students in piano, general music, singing, guitar, dance movement and drumming. These and related activities are designed to enhance music appreciation for students with special needs.
This is a rare opportunity to explore deeper and exciting dimensions of music. Designed to appeal especially to students with special needs and their families, new ideas have been developed during the last few years by instructors associated with the Foundation for Music and Healing, Inc., colleagues, and, most importantly, in consultation with parents. This innovative approach is designed to help students function more effectively in society.
Specifically, it:
1) Brings fun, with no prior expectations, to every music session.
2) Identifies a learning path that everyone can follow, regardless of ability.
3) Builds pride and self confidence supported by generous praise and strong interpersonal relationships.
4) Helps the student discover a deep personal love and appreciation of music to last a lifetime.
5) Provides a complete, student-centered musical experience, including —
a) Note recognition
b) Traditional lesson songs and materials
c) Theory, sight reading and ear training
d) Song-writing and duet playing
e) Enhanced activities such as rhythm, dance movements
and other modalities and instruments according to student interest.
6) For younger or more challenged students, an interactive experience of “general music” is provided. Used are colors, letters, play objects, age-appropriate instruction books, rhythm, singing, electronic media, guitars, drumming and dance to establish a positive personal experience with music and the arts. This experience becomes more structured as time goes on, and is determined by the student’s interests and abilities. This process enables the student to find their own way into the enjoyment of music and the arts on their own terms.
Using interdisciplinary programs and techniques pioneered in Foundation studios, students have achieved remarkable success, not only in music but in other areas of life as well. Larger goals are to enable the student to live more confidently and effectively in society through improved functioning of major body systems:
• Central nervous system
• Auditory processing
• Visual coordination
• Neuro-muscular and skeletal systems
Research continues on new programs and techniques using music studios as learning laboratories.
Students, parents and Foundation instructors work together to explore possibilities and determine productive paths to explore music. Instructors function as coaches during weekly 30-minute sessions. The music studio is an environment for creative expression. At times, and with student and parent permission, various guests may attend lessons on occasion to observe lessons. They may offer advice and assistance to maximize progress. This atmosphere is characterized by mutual learning and respect.
For further information, visit the Foundation’s website:
http://www.musichealing.org/Or telephone (574) 993-2093
Offices and studios at 2811 Beechwood Lane • South Bend, Indiana 46615
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