By Kris Cullum

Music can be a motivating and fun way to teach all children and in particular children who have special learning needs. It is unquestionable that through the medium of music many essential and enabling life skills can be learned and the benefits that playing and learning music can have on a child’s growth and development are immeasurable.

All children have the same need to express themselves and playing a musical instrument can provide an outlet for creative and emotional expression. When we think of music we don’t often think of it as therapy. But it can be.

The playing of good quality percussion instruments during music therapy sessions can be of inestimable value for children who have difficulties in hearing, seeing, moving, thinking or responding; each can experience the music in their own unique way. The music is not the goal of music therapy. Cognitive stimulation, self-expression, self-awareness, or increased motor movements are some of the goals that music therapy can focus on and the music itself is simply a tool to achieve these goals.

Listening to music for enjoyment is very beneficial but active participation is even better. For children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, playing music may be an effective way to stimulate speech development and communication skills, express emotions, develop a sense of rhythm and provide opportunity for physical, cognitive and motor development whilst creating an environment for socialisation and fun.

Every child can be helped to learn to enjoy and to become involved in music to some degree and instruments tuned to a harmonic pentatonic scale which produce a soothing sound straightaway, makes playing them an instantly gratifying experience.

Playing music and music therapy has proven to be a very effective method in dealing with autism and aspergers syndrome. Most children diagnosed with Autism or Asperger’s lack the social skills that enable them to participate fully in play and other social situations. Interestingly, many children with autism show a heightened interest in music. While they may be unable to easily communicate verbally with others, music is an avenue for many autistic people to express themselves and communicate in a non-verbal, non-threatening manner. Playing music puts the individual at ease, allowing for strides in social interactions to follow.

Easy access to musical instruments may provide an outlet that encourages children to use music to deal with emotional issues, especially when they are unable to express them through speech. Where words fail, music may be a medium through which to explore one’s inner world and experiences. Often people with developmental delays and learning disabilities such as Down’s syndrome will respond to music. The easy, non-challenging way in which pentatonic instruments can be played offers opportunities for response and expression to children and adults with such developmental delays.

Musical instruments in the classroom or playground offer blind or partially sighted children the opportunity to explore and musical sound and awareness. Instruments, which are simple to play and enable creative experimentation and tactile exploration, encourage the use of motor skills, thus developing coordination whilst stimulating the imagination.

Music is a tool that is used in pain management and healing for children undergoing medical procedures and as a comfort for those who have suffered a traumatic experience. Music can be a powerful distraction, turning the patient’s attention away from pain and promoting relaxation as well as to help ward off depression, promote movement and ease muscle tension.

The use of music in group therapy has long been advocated and practiced in the music therapy profession, in addition to the purely musical benefits, playing in an ensemble is useful for working on concepts such as cooperation with others, coordination, and a sense of accomplishment. Making music and singing songs together in a group can build a harmonious cooperative spirit of support and encouragement for everyone. Children who experience severe obstacles in forming relationships with other children, adults and their environment can achieve security and joy in making music. Music making involves many of the fundamental elements of social interaction; turn taking, listening and responding to another person can all be augmented in music therapy.

To see, hear and play musical instruments at school or in community programs is an important cultural experience for every child. While music therapy is an important discipline, you can also achieve benefits from making music on your own. Successful projects include sensory or music gardens where musical instruments have been installed outdoors, making them accessible at break times as well as for use with the curriculum. Playgrounds and outdoor spaces should be viewed as therapeutic settings and an outdoor music centre or garden could enhance learning and development for both children with and without special needs.

Kris Cullum represents Outdoor Musical Instrument suppliers Freenotes, instruments that create enchanting music that anyone can play and are also proven to contribute to Music Therapy.

Call us at 773.779.7059 or read more about our special needs music classes.

Originally posted 2009-09-05 14:45:27.

The East Beverly Association

The World Music Company, 1808 W. 103 Street, is pleased to announce we will be hosting the East Beverly Association Fall Fling on Sunday, 9/27, from 2-4pm. This event is a neighborhood potluck of EPIC proportions! The main course and complimentary refreshments will be provided by the East Beverly Association. East Beverly neighbors are requested to please bring a favorite side-dish or dessert to pass. World Music Company’s Professor Becker will provide musical entertainment for the kids.

Please RSVP to abe [at] eastbeverly [dot] com. (Appreciated but not Required).

Originally posted 2009-09-09 12:18:48.

Cara Dillon Comes to World Music Company

What may well be the world’s most beautiful female voice.
-Mojo

A rare and extraordinary talent ….Cara Dillon sings with a passion that is evident in the depth of her content, lyrically illustrating the scars of the human heart. There are few on this island to equal her tremendous musical talent.
-RTÉ

Dillon’s crystalline, angelic voice is an instrument of rare beauty capable of melting the sternest of hearts.
-BBC

Opening the City of Chicago World Music Festival 2009, we are pleased to welcome, all the way from the UK, acclaimed vocalist Cara Dillon at the World Music Company, September 18th, 2009. View Cara Dillon videos, preview the music, and buy Cara Dillon tickets online.

Cara has an incredibly rare talent that you only come across a handful of times in your whole life. Her gentle charm and natural personality combine with a mesmerizing gift to relate a great story through song and has helped her to defy borders, cultures and even languages. She is an emotive and captivating performer at the very top of her field and one has the feeling she’ll be there for a very long time, capturing audiences with Irish and Celtic influenced “Best in Class” world music. This concert will be the debut of her newest cd, released 9/15 in the US.

Cara Dillon sings Craigie Hill

Cara Dillon sings Bold Jamie

Cara Dillon Sings Garden Valley with Sam Lakeman
Featuring an interview with Sam Lakeman and Cara Dillon

Chicago's World Music Festival

As part of this year’s Chicago World Music Festival, we are privileged and pleased to host this World Class musical event. World Music Festival Chicago, 2009!
The show begins at 8pm, Friday, September 18th, 2009. The World Music Company is located at 1808 W. 103rd Street. 60643. Call 773.779.7059 for tickets or more information. Get Directions.

Originally posted 2009-08-13 17:41:20.

SONS OF THE NEVER WRONG

Sons of the Never Wrong are a folk trio from Chicago made up of Bruce Roper, Deborah Lader, and Sue Demel. The band has been creating original “turbo-charged folk music” for 15 years to a cult-like national following. With their different take on three part harmony on top of witty, whimsical songs, Sons’ style springs from a tradition you’d swear you’ve heard, but this just ain’t your grandpop’s folk music.

The Son’s 5 CD releases have brought them stunning national and international reviews as well as extensive radio-play. It is their live performances though that win the audience’s hearts. The group can barely stand still on stage and insta-choreography results in a non-stop show of stories, dancing, and odd-ball humor. Yet it is when the three step up to the mic and belt out one of their many gorgeously- arranged songs, that you know you are in for something extra special.

A kind of Twin Peaks version of Peter, Paul and Mary, the songs are wacky, original & uplifting, combining exquisite vocal harmonies which spill and spiral all over the place, glorious melodies and…er… unique lyrical perspective

Tickets $25

To purchase tickets please call us at (773)779-7059

Directions

Originally posted 2009-07-17 18:18:31.

Larry Gray Comes to The World Music Company, 9/19 at 8:00 pm

On Saturday, September 19th, at 8:00 pm, Larry Gray takes the stage to kick off the World Music Company Concert Series.

Bassist Larry Gray demonstrates an impressive versatility and an uncommon musical curiosity. Originally a jazz guitarist, Larry switched to the double bass and quickly developed a reputation as a first-call sideman. Throughout the years he has worked with such jazz legends as George Coleman, Lee Konitz, Bobby Hutcherson, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Fortune, Ira Sullivan, Junior Mance, David “Fathead” Newman, Charles McPherson, Antonio Hart, Benny Golson, Jackie McLean, Sonny Stitt, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Al Cohn, Eddie Harris and Les McCann. In addition, he has collaborated with guitarists Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass, and Tal Farlow, as well as the drummers Ed Thigpen and Jack DeJohnette, and trumpeters Donald Byrd and Harry “Sweets” Edison, among others.

Sample a song below.

The show begins at 8pm, Saturday, September 19th, 2009. The World Music Company is located at 1808 W. 103rd Street. 60643. Call 773.779.7059 for tickets or more information. Get Directions.

Originally posted 2009-08-13 15:28:58.

Get Your Tickets Now!

Aside from the local interest (band members hail from the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago), is their youth and their almost fairytale-like story of being “discovered” and embarking on a rise to prominence in the music scene. Two of the band members are still not old enough to be served alcohol at establishments where they play. Check out some video and sample the band’s music. Purchase tickets online.

According to guitarist-vocalist Kyle Dee in an interview, The Frantic were opening at the Beat Kitchen for The Riverboat Gamblers, and producer Andrew Murdock (aka Mudrock, Godsmack, Alice Cooper, Avenged Sevenfold) happened to catch their act and took an interest. They were soon on an airplane out to LA and recording their first album, Audio and Murder for the indie label Sinister Muse Records.

In spite of their youth, the band can truthfully say they have logged over ten years together. Two band members are brothers, and the others from the same area. These guys literally grew up playing music together. And their time, experience, and dedication shine through on their album and in their live performance. Journalist Jim DeRogatis called them “one of the best I caught at the prestigious (South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin)” in a review published in 2008.

Promising and on the rise, The Frantic are still into giving their best onstage and, in their own words “shaking hands with the audience”.The intimate space at The World Music Company will afford both fans and the band the perfect venue for getting to know each other and enjoying an evening of hard hitting rock.

The Frantic appears on stage August 6^th at 6:30 pm. Tickets are only $10 and may be purchased by calling 773.779.7059, or use the handy form at the top of this page to purchase tickets online using any credit card.

Originally posted 2009-07-15 21:43:07.

Comedy with JOHN CAPONERA

If John Caponera looks familiar, that’s because he is. In 1993 the head of Disney television, Jeffrey Katzenberg, saw his stand-up act and signed him to a development deal. This led to John starring role in the NBC sitcom, The Good Life. But you may also have seen him on The Tonight Show, The Drew Carey Show, For Richer or Poorer, Blossom, Tales From the Crypt, The Dennis Miller Show, L.A. Law, ER, or dozen of other guest appearances. Check out the John Caponera video.

It is extremely apparent that John’s twist on comedy comes from his life experiences. He grew up on Chicago’s South Side and was one of those kids who thrived on making others laugh. One of six children, he took it upon himself to be the entertainment at family gatherings.

Tickets $25

To purchase tickets please call us at 773-779-7059

Directions

Dyed in the Wool Takes the Stage June 6th

Find out more about Dyed In The Wool, rated Four Harps by Irish American News! Mississippi Flanagn has been featured on WNPR and at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Enjoy these Celtic flavored entertainers in a close, intimate, store-front setting on Saturday the 6th, beginning at 8pm. All Tickets are $15.00 and all proceeds go to further the good works of The World Music Company.