Music therapy recitals provide unique opportunities for clients, students

In pursuit of her a music therapy degree, Emma Keeling will spend a few days of her senior year at Purdue University Fort Wayne helping at music therapy recitals. After serving as a client escort for two years, she ascended to stage manager last year, a position that saw her changing chairs, music stands, lighting, and whatever else was necessary. Once, she even performed with a client.

"I love the recitals because you can feel the positive energy, and I support the clients, music therapists, and families," Keeling said. "While these recitals are often fun, they are also a demonstration of music therapy's results in action."

Exhibiting the fruits of their labor is why Peggy Farlow, senior lecturer, and local music therapist Shauna Rupert started the recitals in 2010. The fall and spring concerts provide clients, all of whom have special needs, the opportunity to show what they have learned by performing with the support of their music therapists. The fall recitals will be held on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 2:30 p.m. in the Music Center's Rhinehart Recital Hall. Both are free to attend; another recital will be held in February.

"We have recitals for students who are studying music so they can show their skills, so why not allow that for people with disabilities as well?" Farlow said. "I know just from the clients I have worked with that they enjoy showing what they can do. They need a place to be able to demonstrate that where it's accepted."

Farlow said she's had numerous parents over the years talk about how their children love the chance to be highlighted by family members after all the ballgames, school events, and showcases they have attended to support their siblings.

Once, every member of a musical family performed along with their sibling. It's special for family members who can choose to remain in their seats and enjoy the performances because PFW students escort the performers backstage. This weekend's presentations serve as a further introduction to the program for its new students, whose help is another way to thank the families for their participation and support.

Music therapy doesn't fit an easy definition because there are many variations and effective uses in treatment. It's often used for hospice care, stress, pain relief, and helping children with emotional or developmental issues. Most never fully understand the concept of music therapy unless they witness or experience it firsthand.

Clients and their therapists play all kinds of instruments during the recitals. One client plays the keyboard with his feet. He's been working with therapists on adapted music lessons for more than 15 years, Farlow said.

"In your heart, you know what you're supposed to be doing because you can see the self-confidence growing," Farlow said. "It's great for the clients, their families, and everyone who is there."

The recitals, which started out with a single performance featuring seven clients, now plays out over two afternoons in the fall and one in the spring so 45 have a chance to perform. Clients are limited to one appearance per year.

"Everyone hypes each other up the whole time," Keeling said. "I especially love seeing the clients who write and perform their own songs because you can tell what the music means to them and the purpose they put into it."