What is MUSICWORKS?
Learn about WSM’s MUSICWORKS! Music Therapy Program!
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.
Music Works begins on September 17th.
Call (203) 227-4931 for more information or email smiller@wsmusic.org
Meet Laura Thompson, our MUSICWORKS! Music Therapist
Laura Thompson
Instructor, Music Therapy
Laura Thompson holds a Master of Science degree in Music Therapy from SUNY New Paltz. She earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Flute Performance from Queens College, CUNY, is founder and director of Bacchanalia Baroque Ensemble and is active in chamber and orchestral music in New York City and surrounding areas.
Laura’s clinical music therapy experience ranges from her practicum placement at the Nordoff-Robbins Center at NYU, where she worked with children and adults with developmental delay, autism, and special needs, to her internship at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, where she led group and individual sessions for older adults with cognitive decline and related physio-neurological issues.
Laura's person-centered approach combines active music therapy techniques with listening and reflection, and she believes that music can provide the opportunity for growth and development for anyone, regardless of their age and their physical, neurological, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral challenges.