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The Hingham
Journal
By Carol Britton Meyer
August 26, 1999
Music
provides therapy for the senses and the soul
There's nothing like music to soothe the soul, and a music therapy
class for special needs children in Hingham is doing just that.
Michael Bertolami, a music therapist with the Boston Institute for
Arts Therapy, works with young children with disabilities, using music
as a means to help promote their mental, physical and emotional health.
The class, ehld at Hingham Public Library this summer, was a great
success.
In addition to working with children, Bertolami also holds classes
i Boton for adults, including senior citizens, offering a measure
of releaf to those experiencing stress and anxieties in their everyday
lives.
Bertolami, who graduated from Lesley College in May, majored in music
therapy and mental health counseling.
What brought him to Hingham?
When Maureen O'Neill of Langlee Road witnessed the benefits her daughter,
Katie, 4, derived from a music therapy class at the Boston Institute
for Arts Therapy, she wanted to bring the experience closer to home
so it could be shared by other parents with special needs children.
"The Boston class got my daughter talking," said O'Neill.
"It's incredible how music touches children, enlightening and
enriching their lives."
O'Neill worked with members of the Hingham parent Advisory Council
for special needs children, including chairperson Irena Sinclair,
to make her wish become a reality.
Bertolami was willing to make the trip to Hingham once a week this
summer to teach two classes -- one for 3-year-old to 5-year-old and
another for 6-year-old to 9-year-olds. Participants enjoyed their
final session of the season last Wednesday, where they shared music,
songs and Dunkin' Donut munchkins -- a good-bye gift from Bertolami.
The classes will be offered again this fall both boeth age groups
if there is enough interest. O'Neill hasn't ruled out the possibility
of bringing a dance therapy class to town as well if enough parents
express a desire for one.
Classes are small, which provides ample opportunity for the children
to receive individual attntion. Music therapists use instruments,
song, improvisation, movement games and other activities to engage
the children and accomplish particular goals.
"Music therapy helps children develop a sense of how one relates
to the world," said Bertolami, "which is a challenge for
some kids with disabilities."
The chldren enrolled in his classes enjoy beating the "lollipop"
drum, jingling a set of hand bells and shaking maracas, their self-esteem
soaring with each passing minute.
"It's an empowering experience," said Bertolami. "The
instrument becomes their voice, and they get to experience music in
relation to other children in a dynamic way. How they play is a reflection
of themselves."
The class also helps the children address developmental issues, including
enhancing their attention and motor skills as well as impulse controls
through music. In addition, participants learn socialization and communication
skills.
"That can happen through eye contact, physical movement to the
music or being involved in the playing of an instrument," Bertolami
said. "The program encourages the development of language skills
using their voices and bodies."
Throughout the class, the children learn how to take turns in a fun,
motivating, msucial way.
During Wednesday's class, it was difficult to tell who was having
more fun, the children or their parents.
The Institute has been very receptive to bringing programs into the
Hingham community.
"They complement and supplement our special needs school programs,"
said O'Neill. "These types of programs offer the kids an opportunity
for a more intense education than the shcool system is offering."
Sinclair has found the class to be a nice introduction to music for
ther daughter, Hannah, 4.
"It adds a different dimension to the summertime," she said.
"The class broadens the children's horizons."
Katie and Hannah enjoy sharing the experiencw with their friend, Emma
Ellison, 5. The three girls are enrolled int he same preschool.
"The kids take care of each other," said O'Neill.
Emma's mother, Wendy, finds music is "great for getting kids
engaged, stimulated and talking about things."
Her words rang true as the children participated in each activity,
sometimes squealing with delight.
Wednesday's session began with enthusiastic guitar playing, with Bertolami
encouraging the chlildren to clap their hands to the music.
Katie was bouncing up and down as he strummed the guitar and sang,
while Hannah danced to Emma's enthusiastic clapping.
Each child was greeted by name in the song Bertolami offered, which
brought a great deal of joy and smiles to the faces of children and
parents alike.
During the 50-minute session, the girls were joined by Andrew Barber
and his mother Sue.
The children stamped their feet to the beat, froze when the music
stopped an swayed from side to side when it continued.
As the guitar "called" each child's name in turn, Emma,
Katie, Andrew and Hannah all took turns strumming its strings.
The gentle music was soothing and parental support steadfast. Each
child received special attention within the supportive group setting
and had an opportunity to play a "solo" onthis or her favorit
instrument. Throughout the session, there was evidence of children
"blossoming" under the loving encouragement of each other,
their parents and the instructor.
A favorite activity involved swirling colorful scarves through the
air to create the appearance of butterflies flying all around the
room.
As the session drew to a close, Bertolami told the children, "Watching
you guys dance and play instruments was a lot of fun."
The class ended with a final song, "Who is Wonderful?,"
with the instructor calling out each child's name.
There were grins galore as Bertolami presented each participant with
a special award certificate.
"It's good to see children learn how to participate using music,"
said Andrew's mother.
Creative Arts Therapy
Programs...
Visual Art * Music * Dance * Drama
...That Can Make a World of Difference!
Boston Institute for
Arts Therapy
"Drawing out the
best in people since 1982"
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