Thanks to a generous gift from and partnership with the Herb Alpert Foundation, our school’s music program has been expanded.
The Eden Alpert Therapeutic Music Program provides Vista Del Mar children with a safe environment to explore their creative potential, develop a greater appreciation of music, and learn career skills.
The Impact of Music Therapy on Children with Special Needs
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Music therapy is conducted by credentialed professionals who have completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy interventions can be designed to:
- Promote wellness
- Manage stress
- Alleviate pain
- Express feelings
- Enhance memory
- Improve communication
At Vista Del Mar, we have provided therapeutic arts programming, including music, for many years, both as an elective class during school hours, and as an after school program for residents. We have seen firsthand the positive impact of this programming on our students, such as:
- Children who refused to attend school suddenly showing up to class everyday so that they can attend their music classes.
- Children who have never seen an instrument before, let alone touched or played one, have the opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice.
- Children with self-esteem problems who are able to perform in front of an audience.
Because of this positive, measurable impact, Vista intends to make music therapy a pillar of its Arts Enrichment Program moving forward.
That is why Vista Del Mar is partnering with the Herb Alpert Foundation to provide an innovative therapeutic music program that brings out the best in our children while providing them with a future path to the world of music.