Institute for Music and Health

IMH Featured in Poughkeepsie Journal

muirs — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:30:35 +0000

We’re proud to announce that our work with people with disabilities has been featured in Wednesday’s issue of the Poughkeepsie Journal. This wonderful article, by Sarah Bradshaw, focuses on our student Niklas Watkins and his part in the recent concert of our Singing Songbirds chorus for people with disabilities.

Niklas Watkins, 13, of LaGrange, performs with Singing Songbirds, a chorus for people with disabilities, during a concert Dec. 7 at LaGrange Middle School. / Karl Rabe/Poughkeepsie Journal

The article can be found here, and the associated video is here.

Singing Songbirds, a chorus for people with disabilities, hold a concert Wednesday, December, 7, 2011, at LaGrange Middle School. / Karl Rabe

Want to see more of Niklas singing? Then click here to his very own page on our website.

Want to find out more about our unique music programs for people with disabilities, including the Singing Songbirds? Then click here.

Wishing you Happiest of Happy Holidays!

Singing Songbirds

muirs — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:01:59 +0000

A chorus for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For pleasure, musical development, and occasional performances.

A unique approach harmonizing people with disabilities and their communities.

Directed by IMH’s Peter Muir Ph.D.

ANNOUNCING WINTER-SPRING 2012 PROGRAM!

To qualify: Anyone with disabilities who loves to sing with others. No previous musical experience or skills necessary. Ability to read music NOT a requirement. Songs are taught by ear, from recordings, and word or music sheets – your choice.

Age: 13 and up
When: Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm.
Jan 11, 18, 25 Feb 1, 8, 15, 29, Mar 7, 14, 21
Where: Institute for Music and Health, Verbank, NY.
Cost: $120 for entire 10-session season
Caregivers/family members invited to join in for free!

Contact: judith@musichealth.net (845) 677-5871

Want to hear the Songbirds sing their themesong “Take Me Out to the Songbirds”?? It’s specially composed (well, the words, that is – you’ll recognize the melody!)

Themesong

In our recent concert, Songbird’s member Victoria Bechtler sang a solo version of “Over the Rainbow.” Victoria has never had singing lessons and this was the first time she has performed solo in public. It wa a magnificent, heartfelt performance.

Over the Rainbow

For our current repertoire, click here

“So Many Smiling Faces”: Interactive Concert a Big Success

muirs — Wed, 18 May 2011 03:13:14 +0000

Our unique Interactive Concert given by our students with disabilities for people with disabiliies at New Horizons in Pleasant Valley on May 17th drew a large and appreciative crowd. Our heartfelt thanks goes out everyone involved: all fourteen of the performers, the staff at New Horizons, who did so much to help and generously allow use of their wonderful resources, and to our staff and assistants. To you all a really big thank you. We hope to do this again real soon!

An appreciative parent emailed us:
“I just wanted to thank you for a delightful evening. There was a great turnout and the audience participation was heartwarming. So many smiling faces; singing and clapping along to familiar songs. Some were even dancing!

The program was so well organized and provided a venue for the many “STARS” to shine! You definitely know the population well: you started and ended right on time and the movement from one talent to the next was managed brilliantly!

This was an opportunity for my daughter and her housemates to share in a fun activity together and create memories. We loved sharing it with them as well .

I have such respect and gratitude for your extraordinary talent and ENORMOUS hearts!!!”
- Gail Saderholm

One of the “STARS” Gail writes about is Michael Brenner, a young adult with disabilities. Here he is at the concert giving a soulful rendition of “Yesterday.”

For more on Michael, see here

Director Peter Muir Interviewed on Manifesting Wellness Show

muirs — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:03:28 +0000

IMH Director Peter Muir was appeared on the Manifesting Wellness Internet Radio Show on April 13, 2011, in an extended interview with the shows host, Bente Hansen. Please enjoy the excerpts below, in which Dr. Muir discusses various aspects of the healing power of music.

Manifesting Wellness Interview - Part 1 Manifesting Wellness Interview - Part 2

To listen to the full Manifesting Wellness podcast, please click here.