Music Therapy
Reaching Where Words Cannot
WSM has offered individual music therapy sessions led by a board-certified music therapist for over 20 years since first receiving a start-up grant from Newman’s Own Foundation and other generous community donors.
Students are children or adults who may have developmental delays, autism, processing disorders, dyslexia or other physical, mental or emotional disabilities, and challenges.
Our music therapist first works to develop trusting relationships which ultimately encourage a student to express him/herself without judgement and grow in self-confidence. Individually-designed programs may include a combination of singing, instrument-playing, movement, song-writing and relaxation techniques to meet a student’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and social concerns.
Call (203) 227-4931 for more information or email smiller@wsmusic.org
Hear from Our Parents
"My daughter has been participating in MusicWorks! for several years. The School is a safe place with excellent (and patient) teachers where my daughter can explore her love of music. She has been studying piano with Patty and looks forward to her lessons, practicing daily both to cement what she has learned and to impress her teacher. I often sit in on the lessons and am amazed to hear my daughter, who has suffered with pervasive disabilities since birth, speak and play the language of music that the Music School and its excellent staff have taught her. Each time a new registration period comes around, I ask my daughter if she wants to continue. Each time I get a resounding “Yes, mom! Patty will be lonely if I don’t go!”
Carmella
“My nine-year-old daughter has a processing disorder – both visually and auditorily. She has trouble with spatial orientation (left-right) and linking her body movements with her brain. Her MusicWorks! sessions allow her to work on her fine motor skills, and to link her brain to her eyes and ears all in a fun way. My daughter loves music and when her therapist does drum beat activities with her, that helps her listen and react to her listening. Then, she is able to complete multi-step activities in sequence. She is able to express her creative self while strengthening her body and mind through the music.”