The Positive Tune of Music Therapy

For over 30 years, Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy has helped individuals with special needs through comprehensive music, dance and art therapy.

The Positive Tune of Music Therapy

Tracy Perry, MA MT-BC

This June,I will have worked at Kardon for a decade as a music therapist. Over the years, I have been given the wonderful opportunity to meet many individuals at the various community outreach program sites which Kardon serves. One of these sites is the Developmental Enterprises Corporation’s Willow Grove Training Facility which serves individuals with a wide array of disabilities. I have been providing music therapy sessions at this site every Thursday for the past four years. Along the way, the individuals there have continually amazed and inspired me with their accomplishments. They have taught me innumerable and valuable lessons throughout the years, including the true meaning of selfless teamwork, patient perseverance, and the uncanny ability to maintain a positive outlook no matter the circumstances.

One of these groups consists of highly motivated individuals who come together each week to sing an assortment of their favorite songs. As a team, they work collaboratively to select and learn six or seven songs, with an eye towards performing at a local nursing home. This musical production is held twice a year, and has truly become one of the highlights of my interaction with the wonderful people at this site. I get the distinct impression that they enjoy the sessions and plan their activities around this group on Thursdays. If miss a session, the choir is quick to ask me for assurance that everything is okay.

These are, beyond a shadow of a doubt, some of the most compassionate people I have ever encountered; they continually bring unbridled joy to everything they do. Whether it is applying their ability to learn and memorize the lyrics to each of the songs by rote method; or through showing their concern for the other members of the group, they take no half-measures, and display an admirable level of dedication not often seen. I am always proud to stand beside these individuals each June and December as they pour their hearts out on stage and deliver a great performance to a delighted audience. I feel pride in knowing them and witnessing their achievements including those with which the musical connection is not quite as pronounced.

One of the chorus members recently received the highest honor that can be awarded to an individual by the Boy Scouts of America: the Eagle Scout Award. He earned this after 30 years of weekly meetings and scout camping trips, displaying the trademark perseverance which has endeared him to everyone at the site (6ABC came out to cover the story, and you can view the video here: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=7951888). As I was preparing the room for chorus rehearsal, my thoughts drifted to my years as a Girl Scout, and I remembered just how difficult it was simply to pursue the Gold Award (Girl Scouting’s equivalent of an Eagle Scout) – something which eluded me, because I was “too busy” preparing for my auditions at several local colleges. Having experienced this, I can fully appreciate how much hard work, time, and energy he put into earning his Eagle Scout Award. By any measure, it is an absolutely tremendous achievement, and becomes even more remarkable when considering the significant obstacles he has faced along the way. Once again, the individuals at DEC’s Willow Grove Training Center have reminded me how important it is to keep on trying, no matter what challenges you may face on the way to accomplishing your dreams.