Making Music Count: Music as Therapy
the problem:
Children are our future. The choices they make now, forge their paths to their futures. However, not every child is given an equal opportunity, especially not to those who have the "bad" labels. Labels like: "trouble-maker," "problem-child," "unskilled," "stupid," "uncooperative," and "lazy." The problem with creating labels for "unrully" children--it causes discrimination from peers (which further leads to bullying), discrimination by other teachers and staff, and causes the child to loathe school and learning.
vital stats:
people impacted:
2people involved:
1why it's important:
Making Music Count provides shut-down learners and students with disabilites the tools necessary to build confidence, express emotion, think positively, and other areas of interest through music therapy. Because music transcends langauge barriers and evokes human emotion, Making music count will harness the true potential of music and make it work for those who need it the most. With this therapy, children will receive CDs, CD players, MP3 players, and more to help expand their musical interest and focus their energy into productivity.
the plan of action:
Starting with Canyon View School and McKinley Auxilary, a school/boys home for students with disabilities, I will put this idea into motion. I am starting at this school because this is the school my brother now attends, but will expand to all Southern Californian counties and hopefully will expand globally, because these disabled children do not only exist in Southern California, nor just in the United States, but globally.
how you can get involved:
Because this is a feat that is larger than one person, it takes more than one person to put it into action. Therefore, there is a need for volunteers to put this idea into action in their hometowns, because together we can achieve anything. Donations of money (for music themed trips, audio players, etc), CD players, CDs, MP3 players, and MP3 downloads are also widely appreciated.
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Comments
I believe that your desire to educate youths through music therapy is a very refreshing idea. I myself am into music and I feel it is imperative that today's generation are encouraged to follow their own paths no matter what obstacles may come their way. I also feel that this is a campaign I would love to join so inform me on any upcoming events tied to your project.
Hey! I have started a project similar to this in St. Louis, it's called Smiles with Music. Check it out. It's something similar. I love your work. We should do something together.