Music: a universal language

You don’t need to be an expert at a certain instrument or be able to sing an aria to be aware that music is a language that allows people of any ability to connect and interact. It is a language that you can take with you anywhere and allows you to communicate without barriers.

For children with developmental disabilities music can fill a specific niche by developing cognitive, physical, emotional, communication and social skills.

For Heartspring student, Trent, and his family, music has created another opening into the way he views the world. Trent comes from a musical family; parents that met in a high school singing group and siblings that sing and play musical instruments. The house was full of music, yet Trent did not appear to like or care for music. He would frequently cover his ears and say, “stop sing.”

The music program at Heartspring is more than learning scales and octaves. According to Verlene Warner, Heartspring music teacher, it is about “musical experiences for all students focusing on individuality, creativity, zest and originality.” Verlene approaches music education at Heartspring by looking at an individual’s learning style and adapting materials that provide the most appropriate individualized activity. These individualized activities have made a difference for students such as Trent.

Since attending music class Trent has become more vocal at home. He sings while on the computer, walking around the house or in the backyard. He now enjoys having music played in the car, has memorized his favorite songs on CDs and knows which track to pick.

“When teaching and providing activities I encourage independence, making choices, flexibility, creativity, language development, reading, following directions, movement, focus on memory, visual, auditory perception and more, “ said Verlene. Activities in class allow for each child to respond in the best way that they can; whether that is by vocalization, using an instrument or a physical gesture.

So what does a music class at Heartspring sound like? It depends. Perhaps it is the day we step in to find the kids creating their own songs on xylophones, playing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” on the piano, dancing to pop music or the choir preparing for a performance.

At the 2009 Lights on the Lake Preview Party ,Trent had a surprise in store for his family. The child that once became agitated at singing and instrumental music stood in front of over 300 people and sang a solo during Jingle Bells. Trent’s dad, Corey, said, “We watched with great joy as Trent not only sang Jingle Bells, but did a great job, in the microphone, without throwing a fit! What a great day for our family!”

For Trent’s family and many others at Heartspring music has created another connection, “Trent’s involvement in the music program at Heartspring has enabled our family to share something that we love at a level we didn’t think possible,” he said. “It has given us one more window, one more simple opportunity to engage in his life. We live for those moments.”