I cannot say enough great things about Powers Music School. Over the past 10 years, my special needs daughter has had the honor of participating in the music therapy program. Every teacher has been very impressive in their ability to bring out the best in Michaela and hone her skills as a singer. Her vocal capabilities have skyrocketed as a result.
– Elise Moore, parent of music therapy student
We know not all students fit the traditional teaching methods of private lessons, so if you’re searching for a music program with the “right fit,” we might be able to help.
Our Music Therapy program works with those unique students to build a nurturing, flexible, and judgment-free learning environment with specially trained teachers to help meet your musical goals and adapt to your particular needs and level of functioning.
Think of our department as a range of options. On one end, we can use music as a therapeutic tool to help you work towards a personal goal you’re struggling with (commonly known as “music therapy”). On the other end, we can help you pursue your passion for music in a supportive, adaptive setting that helps, rather than hinders, progress (we call these “modified lessons”). Some of our students do both, or even shift between the two, depending on the day! We offer music therapy group classes and jam bands, and we can also opt for in-home services on a case-by-case basis if you have a physical disability and are unable to come to Powers. Anything is possible here.
About Modified / Music Therapy Lessons
Every student and every lesson is different! After your phone consultation and trial with our music therapist, Cheyenna Eagle, we’ll help you decide whether “traditional” music therapy interventions, modified lessons, or a combination of approaches will be the best route.
Some things we might work on are playing percussion, voice lessons, piano, guitar, or ukulele instruction, song-writing, or simply listening to pop, hip-hop, rock, classical, or other kinds of music on an iPad or electronic device.
In all cases, our programs help each student increase self-confidence, self-expression, independence, and the ability to adapt to new situations. Music therapy and modified lessons can improve daily living, coping, and choice-making skills, attention span and memory, fine motor skills and physical development, language and communication, socialization and relationships with family and friends, or simply provide a mood boost!
At the end of the year, students have the chance to showcase their hard work and talent at a recital for their family and peers, just like they’d do in traditional music lessons. Both students and caretakers will notice how much they’ve progressed on the path towards their personal and musical goals, and ultimately, towards discovering their self-worth.
About our Group Classes
Music Explorers (Ages 2-5 plus a parent/caregiver)
Children and families learn together in this group music therapy class. Children will work on their social and developmental skills, while caregivers will learn fun and effective ways to incorporate music into daily routines to add support to difficult moments. A group setting like this allows children to interact with their peers and develop/practice their budding social skills.
Each meeting will include instrument playing to encourage exploration, problem solving and motor skills; singing experiences to support the development of language skills; movement experiences to support spatial awareness.
Specific goals include:
- Increasing socialization with peers through turn-taking and sharing
- Developing and practicing group setting skills, such as inhibition, body awareness, and body control
- Supporting the development of receptive and expressive language skills
Children do not need to be actively engaged the entire class time! This is their time to explore themselves and the music in a safe environment with support from a music therapist.
Discovery Jam Band (Preteens – late elementary to middle school)
Preteens will gain experience exploring and making music in a comfortable group setting that is also tailored to their individual needs.
We’ll explore different styles of music and will learn several songs throughout the semester. The group will choose at least one song to perform and record as an ensemble. Specific goals include socialization with peers, listening skills, and sustained attention.
Note: We require a brief meeting with our music therapist prior to the start of classes, not for an audition, but simply so the therapist can prepare for group music-making in a successful way.
Adventure Jam Band (Teens)
Teens will gain experience making music in a comfortable group setting that is tailored to their individual needs and allows for both musical and personal exploration.
We’ll explore different styles of music and will learn several songs. The group will choose at least one song to perform and record at the end of the semester.
Specific goals include socialization with peers, leadership and independence, and sustained attention.
Note: We require a brief meeting with our music therapist prior to the start of classes, not for an audition, but simply so the therapist can prepare for group music-making in a successful way.
What does it mean to be “board-certified?”
Our music therapists are trained in areas like psychology, child development, music therapy practices, and a wide range of diagnoses. This enables them to pull from many different methods and adapt the program specifically to each student’s learning style and level. They must have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in music therapy, a 1,040 hour clinical internship, and passed the board certification exam maintained by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). They must also recertify every five years by completing 100 continuing education credits overseen by the CBMT.
Want to talk to someone or give it a try?
Scroll down to register for a group class.
Or, if you’re interested in lessons, we can arrange for a phone call with our Music Therapy Department Chair and a $75 trial lesson. First, click here to tell us more about yourself:
Lesson information and tuition
Who is a good candidate for modified or music therapy lessons?
Our friendly, board-certified, music therapists can help children, teens, or adults with any of the following:
- developmental disabilities like autism or ADHD
- cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome
- at-risk youth
- language delays
- IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)
- individuals struggling with identity
- veterans, first responders, or others struggling with traumatic stress disorders
- traumatic brain injuries
- emotional-regulation disorders
- sensory integration disorders
- addiction recovery
- Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other aging-related disorders
- Hearing and visual impairments
- other complex medical issues