Suzanne O'Shea teaches Children with Special Needs

Saturday Mornings at 11:00am

There is no charge for the class. Donations are graciously accepted.

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Originally posted 2009-07-22 19:39:36.

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.

Little Folkies Guitar and Infant and Toddler Class

Debbie’s unique charisma accompanied by her sweet voice are two small aspects that trulyexpress her passion and devotion in helping young children experience and understand music. Whether Debbie is hosting Open Mic, playing in a Children’s Music Concert, or teaching, she is outright entertaining and fun!

Originally posted 2009-08-11 18:31:27.

In addition to his extensive experience teaching guitar and fretted instruments to people of all ages, Ed is expert at creating a fun, casual, and nurturing environment for students to learn at their own pace. Group playing sessions will be arranged for newer students to play simpler parts, while more advanced students will have the opportunity to try out more challenging parts, maybe even “laying down” some leads! Enjoy playing and learning guitar music in the company of others who share your love of music with our new Adult Guitar Class at World Music Company, Chicago.

Class Schedule

Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. Running October 27th through December 15th.

Cost: $135.00

You may use the registration form below at this time to make your reservation, or you may call us at 773.779.7059 to reserve your spot. You may pay online once you fill out your registration. Payment in full is required by the first day of class. We look forward to showing you a great time!

Use the “Tell A Friend” button at the bottom to invite some friends to join you!

Event Registration for Adult Guitar Class

Originally posted 2009-09-01 18:51:43.

The session is 12 weeks running September 14th through December 3rd. The cost for the full session is only $168.00. We also offer the opportunity to supplement the class with three private lessons for the discounted rate of $222.00. Need to rent an instrument? Normally $12.00 monthly, you can rent the needed instrument for only $10.00 for the entire term.

Little Keyboarders
Ages 4-5 (Level 1/Beginning) Thursdays at 5:00 pm
Ages 4-5 (Level 2/Intermediate) Thursdays at 4:00 pm
Teacher: Suzanne O’Shea

Ages 6-8 (Level 1/Beginning) Wednesdays at 3:30 pm
Ages 6-8 (Level 2/Intermediate) Wednesdays at 4:30 pm
Teacher: David Waterman

Little Pickers (Guitar)
Ages 4-5 (Level 1/Beginning) Saturdays at 12:00 pm
Ages 6-8 (Level 1/Beginning) Thursdays at 4:00 pm
Ages 6-8 (Level 2/Intermediate) Thursdays at 5:00 pm
Teacher: Cheryl Lawson

Little Violinists
Ages 4-5 (Level 1/Beginning) Thursdays at 4:00 pm
Ages 6-8 (Level 1/Beginning) Thursdays at 5:00 pm
Teacher: Katie Bern

Little Drummers
Ages 4-8 (New and Continuing) Wednesdays at 4:00 pm
Teacher: Logan Schutts

Lessons available on all types of instruments at Chicago's World Music Company

Originally posted 2009-08-28 17:04:00.