On September 23, Indian Hill Music School in Littleton, MA announced the introduction of a new music therapy program for individuals and groups. Designed especially for children and adults with cognitive, physical and development impairments (including older people with Alzheimer's or dementia), music therapy uses instrumental and vocal music strategies to improve functioning or facilitates changes that contribute to life quality. Clients work with licensed music therapist Romy Ikauniks Wilhelm of Arlington.

"Making music helps in focusing, building social skills, and encouraging expressive creativity," says Romy, who has degrees in music from Tufts and in music therapy from Lesley University. "I use basic drumming activities to help my students hear and feel musical rhythm," she adds.  In addition to drumming, her techniques include hand percussion instruments, movement, and singing.  "I have seen how music therapy can have a direct impact on a person's life," Romy explains.  "In one of my internships I worked with a 9-year old boy on the autism spectrum with a history of trauma who went from being aggressive, unable to sit still, and mostly non-verbal, to being much calmer, and able to sit for 10-minute stretches, he even learned a song that he would sing whenever he saw me.  It was an amazing transformation!"

Learn more about Indian Hill's music therapy program

Pictured Above: Romy works with a student.