Elevations RTC
SYRACUSE, UT

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Elevations RTC Offers
New Music Program For Students

Elevations RTC, a fully licensed and accredited residential treatment center for adolescents ages 13-17 that opened earlier this year, now offers students a specialized music program to inspire creativity, collaboration and catharsis.

The program has invested in quality music gear and set aside a dedicated music space for students, collaborating with the school's art program to create a music-themed mural for the room. Musician Joe Ballent is the program's director.

"We are now in our second full month of the music program, and already each student group is developing and polishing a small catalog of performance-worthy music," said Joe. "More importantly, they're having fun trying new instruments and interacting with peers in a unique collaborative environment."

More than a dozen students have signed up so far. Entry to the program requires filling out an application in which the student details how they can be a positive force for the program, illustrating a commitment to a strong peer culture and a willingness to be flexible. They also attend an informational meeting prior to selection.

"Fortunately, thus far, we've been able to incorporate every student that has shown interest," said Joe.

Joe's background includes performing in numerous local bands on live radio and television, and a special performance at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in front of an audience that included the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And while he is an accomplished musician, he says "One of the best attributes of the program is the peer teaching. A number of our students are already musicians and I always look for opportunities to put them in the spotlight. It's a powerful leadership vehicle for them, and a tremendous source of pride."

Weekly program time includes basic instruction in any one of three instruments, access to quality music equipment, selection and practice of cover and original songs, and some technical instruction such as how to re-string a guitar.

As part of the program incentive, the students can earn "Music Moola" for acts of compassion, patience or leadership. These are rewarded in denominations of extra supervised time at the practice space during which the students can work on whatever they choose.

"I've found this to be an exciting and powerful motivator for them to show care for peers in the group and be inclusive," said Joe.

The eventual goal is for the students to perform outside of Elevations, in the surrounding area of Salt Lake City, however Joe says the all-ages venue options are limited. "So at this point we are focusing on performing for each other."

He says: "Music is immensely therapeutic, especially the writing of original music. Students can speak to some of their challenges and confront some of their demons, all while collaborating and creating something lasting and worthwhile with each other. I've already been told by a number of students that playing is the highlight of their week, and it has certainly become one of mine."

Elevations RTC is one of the only co-ed residential treatment centers in the country offering comprehensive psychiatric and medical services, college preparatory academics, robust recreational programming and an integrated therapeutic approach that combines milieu, group, individual and family therapies.