Berklee and Autism Speaks Demonstrate Music Therapy Applications for Families and Professionals October 5, 2011

Berklee College of Music’s Music Therapy Department has teamed up with Autism Speaks to present two events that introduce music therapy applications for children on the autism spectrum. Berklee faculty and students will join national experts at these events targeted for families and professionals.

On October 5, families with children on the autism spectrum will participate in a musical event narrated by the co-leaders of the American Music Therapy Task Force on Autism at “Autism Speaks and Sings!”. Berklee students will lead the audience in a variety of musical activities, such as children's songs with a contemporary twist that reinforce learning basic concepts. Along with sampling fun musical exercises, the audience will learn about the purpose, research, and objectives of music therapy for children on the autism spectrum. (October 5, 2011, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street, Boston.)

On October 6, professionals working with children on the autism spectrum are invited to explore music therapy at “Autism Speaks And Sings! Part 2”. A panel of music therapists, facilitated by Berklee faculty member Dr. Peggy Codding, will respond to a variety of clinical scenarios presented by music therapy clinicians. Panelists will address current research, the neurophysiology behind musical responsiveness, and specific clinical music therapy techniques. (October 6, 2011, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street, Boston.)

"There is scientific evidence that music therapy influences children on the autism spectrum in several ways, like enhancing skills in communication, interpersonal relationships, self-regulation, coping strategies, stress management, and focusing attention,” says Berklee’s Music Therapy Department Chair Dr. Suzanne Hanser. “Autism Speaks and Sings! is designed to offer families and professionals a glimpse of some creative techniques and expected outcomes of Music Therapy interventions."

About Berklee College of Music:
Berklee College of Music was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music was through the study and practice of contemporary music. For over 65 years, the college has evolved constantly to reflect the state of the art music and the music business. With over a dozen performance and nonperformance majors, a diverse and talented student body representing over 70 countries, and a music industry “who’s who” of alumni, Berklee is the world’s premier learning lab for the music of today – and tomorrow.