For over 30 years, Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy has helped individuals with special needs through comprehensive music, dance and art therapy.
Newsletter
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter by signing up using the form below:
Support Us
Help support the Kardon Institute with a tax deductible donation. Click the button below to make a secure donation through JustGive.org.
People Who Need People
Our guest blogger is one of Kardon Institute’s long-time clients, Maria Bottiglieri. Maria’s story shows how programs at KIAT along with Settlement Music School shape the hearts, minds and bodies of every client we work with. Her post explains how music therapy helped Maria fulfill her dream of expressing herself through song.
I was born with Cerebral Palsy. However, it hasn’t stopped me from being a functionally member of society. I am currently working as a Community Advocate for Liberty Resources, Inc. where I help people transition from nursing homes back into the community.
My exposure to creative arts therapy started in 1979 when I was17. I had always loved music and wanted to pursue it seriously. The Theraputic Music Program, in collaboration with Moss Rehabilitation Hospital, gave me the opportunity to study voice at the Mary Louise Curtis Branch of Settlement Music School. My vocal experience began like any other – with an audition. I can remember it as if it was yesterday. I sang “People” from Funny Girl and was ecstatic that people heard my voice and enjoyed it in spite of my disability. I felt like I was being seen as a real person.
After my audition, I was assigned to Studio 31 at Settlement and studied with William A. Myers, Jr. It was at Settlement where the exploration of my voice and the study of music began. Along with weekly voice lessons, I studied piano and music theory. This was the beginning of my becoming a well-rounded musician while learning about myself in the process. Life during this time was not easy for me. My father was not living with us and although I had a loving family, they were extremely over protective. This made growing up difficult because I often felt alone . Music, for me, became an emotional outlet that never judged me.
Despite my personal challenges, I really enjoyed working with Mr. Myers. Together, we explored everything from show tunes to classical repertoire. Our time together gave me a chance to focus on something other than my disability. I progressed quickly and by the end of my first year, I was asked to sing two songs in our studio recital. I have come a long way in my performance skills since those days… but that will be explored in another blog post!
Thank you for such an uplifting story about the role that music has played in your life! It’s wonderful to see how KIAT has contributed to your life, musically and otherwise. Keep up the good work!
Maria – What a wonderful story. You are a very good writer as well as a good singer. Music is wonderful! Beth
Maria-
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Can’t wait to hear more!
Dena Condron
I enjoyed the journey Maria has been travelling to get to the point where she is. I look forward to hearing the next steps. I am interested in learning more about how these things help.
thank you maria for writing!
Maria, your story is truly an inspiration. Your life is just not focused on your disability. You have so much to give to the world , to show others that nothing can stop you or hold you back.Music is an excellent way to express one”s feelings. Keep on keeping on.
wonderful – and she sings in another group with me every Monday and her beautiful soprano voice sounds so clear and strong and lovely – I love to hear it among all the other fine voices!
Maria – Thanks for sharing your story. I’m lucky to sing with you now!
Thank you for such an uplifting story about the role that music has played in your life! It’s wonderful to see how KIAT has contributed to your life, musically and otherwise. Keep up the good work!
thank you maria for writing!