Using Music To Tame The Savage Beast

July 29, 2013

"Music touches every part of how the brain processes, from day to day functioning to skill building." And at Berkshire Hills Music Academy, both Kristin Tillona, the Director of Admissions and Marketing and Karen Carreira, the Director of Music and Vocational Programs both agree that the students at their school are learning vocational skills, social skills and job skills through the love of music. Today on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens, Lon Woodbury's guests shared with his radio audience how music is an integral part of the curriculum and structure at the academy. "All music is a form of expression and each genre evokes a certain response or feeling- fast, upbeat music can get your day going and slow soothing music at night helps to slow you down. We use music as a vehicle for learning and as a healing tool." The Berkshire Hills Music Academy is a program for young adults, ages 18 to 30 with learning and developmental disabilities needing to learn life skills and social skills in order to gain living independence.

Each student at BHMA is performing or actively participating in music. And each student is involved and learning how to put on music programs. Not just performing, but rather learning all aspects of working together as a team, learning appropriate communication skills, using direct eye contact, dressing appropriate for performances and all will get the chance to MC (Master of Ceremony) the programs. This really helps them to build social skills and builds self-confidence for these young adults.

Throughout their day to day living at BHMA, students use music to learn, even math, finances and time management. Kristen then shared how they teach the students to "create a "playlist" of three of their favorite songs for when they take a shower. During the first song you get soaped up and wash and during the second you rinse and third song you dry off. "Which gets them in and out of the shower in 10 minutes rather than the long 20 minute plus soaks the students would normally take."

On Fridays, for roughly 45 minutes to an hour, the students put on a variety hour, where each student is required to perform a piece from something they has learned that week (with the expectation of doing their best) in front of the school and their peers. Staff then offer feedback: what went well and what to work on. Students must be prepared for this performance, from collaborating with others with music, to setting up their instruments, sheet music and etc. This Friday tradition helps the students gain confidence and is a healthy stepping stone to take risks and grow in the future.

"No matter what activity, the music is the glue that brings it all together."

To listen to the full interview, go to Using Music to Tame the Savage Breast on LATalkRadio.
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Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

Kristen Tillona is the Director of Admissions and Marketing for Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, MA. And has over 11 years' experience in private school admissions, marketing and teaching. Kristen received her BS from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is a French horn and trumpet player.

Karen Carreira is the Director of Music and Vocational programs at BHMA. She is a board certified music therapist, a licensed mental health clinician and a professional vocalist. Karen received her BA from Wheaton College in Norton, MA and her MA from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.

Using Music To Tame The Savage Beast

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