Editor’s Note: For the past twelve years, KidsPeace’s “Sarah’s Smile” summer program has served children on the Autism Spectrum with programming to help them learn and practice social, communication and coping skills while school is out of session. More than 60 kids participated in 2017 – and they were introduced to the power and pleasure of making music through the work of music therapist Hilari Stahler. Healing Magazine asked Hilari to share her thoughts on the experience.
“Cherish the children marching to the beat of their own music, for they play the most beautiful heart songs”. Fiona Goldsworthy
As a music therapist it is not my job to impress my music onto those with whom I work. Rather, my job is to create an environment that allows them to open up and share their music, share a glimpse of who they are, and perhaps discover gifts and talents that were hidden even from themselves.
This past summer, the participants of the Sarah’s Smile program were given the opportunity to create and express freely through music therapy. Those in charge of the Sarah’s Smile program recognized that when used effectively, thoughtfully, and therapeutically, music can be the key to unlocking self-expression, communication, social interaction, and self-esteem.
Throughout my career as a music therapist, I have become passionate about finding music that is unique to each individual, and to truly get to know someone through his or her music. As a Board Certified Music Therapist, I have provided music therapy services for individuals with different abilities, including those on the autism spectrum, working at various schools and organizations for more than a decade. However, my current work more often focuses on early childhood development of self-expression through music, movement, and art classes. I find that working with individuals with different abilities drives me creatively. The unique bond that is formed through music making is foundational to pushing through limitations to inspire growth. And my belief in this was confirmed with the more than positive experience of working with the staff and participants of Sarah’s Smile.
With three full classrooms of students ages 6 to 16, I was only able to see each classroom one time. This meant that assessment, treatment, and closure had to happen at a very rapid pace while still maintaining commitment to individualized attention – which meant that I needed to be prepared for ANYTHING! To do this, I felt it was important to bring my entire library of instruments. A few mouths dropped when the staff saw the sheer volume of instruments that came into their classrooms, but the kids’ enthusiasm at the sight of the drums, cymbals, woodblocks, ukulele, keyboard, and guitar was well worth the haul!
During the first week’s session I worked with the youngest group. Their energy indicated that most of the session would focus on movement. The greeting song allowed them to practice various gross motor skills while learning to sing and move together as a group. We also incorporated one student’s love of dinosaurs by doing a song that allowed them to imagine being a dinosaur while moving their bodies and stomping to the beat of the music. Pretend play was important for this group because it allowed their active minds to imagine, wonder, and share ideas while still being grounded through the pulse of the music and lyrical structure.
After exploring my Ocean Drum, (a drum with metal beads inside that roll when tilted to create the sound of waves) the children were each given materials to create their own interpretation of the instrument. As with music making, I feel it is important for the children to have as much independence and opportunity for personalization as possible. Therefore, each child selected their materials and each student was successful in creating an Ocean Drum using two plates, beans, or rice, colorful duct tape, markers, and stickers. We were then able to incorporate their instruments into a group musical improvisation where each child explored their newly created masterpiece!
The second group I saw was comprised of middle-school students. Their maturity, confidence, and poise was remarkable. They really kept me on my toes and I was very grateful for my arsenal of instruments! Throughout the session we also focused on a vocal improvisation that allowed the group to sing together, as well as individually improvise lyrics to sing as a solo! Even in a large group setting this experience allowed many of them to push past self-reservations while others were able to showcase their confidence and love of “the stage”! Regardless of which category they leaned toward, they all had a positive moment in “the spotlight”. It is my hope that this experience will remain with them as they pursue future musical and non-musical endeavors.
I often feel like the real “therapist” in the room during the music therapy sessions is the music. The music in this session was so special and unique to this group that we didn’t need to take a break and were completely blown away (and maybe a little disappointed) when the hour was up so quickly! The focus in this group was incredible! Linda Mitch, who supervises Sarah’s Smile, described the scene: “The children were tapping their feet and were immediately engaged when the music started …They really enjoyed it and everyone participated. It was amazing to see.”
The oldest group of students was large enough that with staff support I was able to break them up into two groups, allowing for more individualized attention. The smaller groups also allowed for instruction on the ukulele. The participants were very excited to have this experience and I think everyone was very impressed with the level of musicality that they showcased! The mother of one of the participants was visiting her daughter during our session and it was so beautiful to see the beam of pride on bothof their faces as expectations were met and exceeded!
We ended our session with a closing song where one of the students played the piano while the group played the ukulele or strummed my guitar. I’m sure all of the parents and guardians would be so proud to know what their children accomplished that day. I know I was, and I am hopeful that they will continue to share their gifts with others.
A few weeks after the culmination of the sessions I received an envelope of beautiful cards from the participants of the Sarah’s Smile program. My heart was smiling as their words and pictures conjured up beautiful memories of our time together. I was particularly touched by one of the pictures. It was a heart made up of colorful music notes and the headline that read “Long Live Music.” It is my sincere hope that even after our sessions are long over, the music and our connection throughthe music, lives on and on in every one of the exceptional children I was blessed to work with – and I look forward to the opportunity to make music with you all again someday!
