Making Our Own Kind of Music

by Chris Robinson

Overview

Making Our Own Kind of Music is for people who love music and want to share it with those who can benefit the most. The book gives details of how music, rhythm and movement can be introduced in new ways to those who never thought it possible, especially people who have special needs.
This book is based on the experience of the Foundation for Music and Healing, Inc., a non-profit community based organization located in South Bend, Indiana that pioneers innovative instructional methods. This is a one-of-a-kind book that gives hope to students, parents and caregivers with specific examples and general principles presented in an interesting and easy-to-read style.
Making Our Own Kind of Music is really three books in one, each designed to help people secure a place for their loved ones in music, rhythm and movement. First, it is a useful volume for families who want to find an instructor who can expand opportunities for people who have special needs, ranging from mild to severe. It gives details of what has made services offered by the Foundation for Music and Healing, Inc. effective among many types of students. The book traces the development and growth of this organization and the dramatic impact it has had on people from all walks of life. Second, this book is an organizing device to help groups develop similar programs. Written for parents, caregivers and professionals, this valuable resource is designed to assist people in communities across the nation to make opportunities available in music and movement for people who have special needs. Third, this book is an excellent resource for instructors, therapists, clinicians and libraries to use in bringing services tospecial needs populations.
Readers will derive hope from this volume. It is presented in the midst of continuous and in-depth media coverage that frequently recommends music for people who have Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, stroke, physical and emotional impairments, blindness, deafness, ADHD, learning disabilities, cognitive impairments or any other type of special need. This useful book is designed to help people develop unique music and movement strategies to help meet these needs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780615279435
Publisher:	Foundation for Music and Healing, Inc.
Publication date:	04/28/2009
Edition description:	FOUNDATION FOR MUSIC AND HEALING, I
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Chris Robinson is the Founder and President of the Foundation for Music and Healing, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing music and movement to extraordinary people who have special needs. He has been on the forefront of efforts to find new ways to bring fine arts activities to students who have been excluded from full participation in music or movement activities. Since 2001, he has researched and developed innovative techniques among a wide range of students, who range in age from two to 79-years old.
"I believe in blending ideas and procedures from many areas to give people what they need," he says. I mix innovative with traditional methods to create unique ways to reach students who have a wide range of challenges. These range from mild to severe. I find that cross-disciplinary approaches offer the best potential for success. Students get the best of both worlds and we move toward our goal to RAISE Everyone! SM"
Dr. Robinson has worked in hospital communications, college teaching and fine arts education. Throughout his career he has been interested in closely examining social, psychological and physical aspects of life. His interest is to reconcile various dimensions of life. His purpose is to transcend traditional and sometimes artificial barriers so that more meaningful progress for all people might be achieved.
Dr. Robinson maintains music and art studios in South Bend, Indiana and serves client families throughout the region. He offers weekly music experiences and lessons to students. Most take piano or guitar. Younger students engage in music play to get them interested and active in music and movement. Some also participate indrumming circles and give periodic public performances. Dr. Robinson and his organization have been routinely featured in a variety of newspapers and magazines.
"My lifelong interest has been in communication," he says. "When we look at music, the teacher and the student communicate together. The student, in turn, communicates with music to the world."
Dr. Robinson may be reached through the Foundation for Music and Healing, Inc. at: musichealing.org

Read an Excerpt

Chapter 2

Methods, Metrics and Miracles

On any typical day in the busy community of South Bend, Indiana, students dutifully arrive at music studios ready for their piano lessons. Eager learners pursue traditional music studies with the careful direction of dedicated teachers. These students study and learn, practice and progress, as people interested in the arts have for years.
At the same time, in another part of town, other parents escort students to an unusual kind of music experience. These students are experiencing life in a dramatically different way. Parents pull into the parking lot of Ivy Court Inn and Suites (formerly The Jamison Inn), an all-suite condominium hotel nestled next to the campus of the famed University of Notre Dame. They accompany students up the steps and through the front door. Some students cannot walk or talk. Some cannot see or hear properly. Some are assisted by canes, walkers or crutches. Parents ride the elevator with their children to the lower level conference area, down the hall and into a special music studio. Some suffer from various conditions and syndromes that affect their ability to function effectively in a world characterized by competition, power, speed and, most importantly it seems, winning. These are exceptional people with special needs.
Most people think of youngsters taking lessons in their own neighborhoods. These exceptional students, however, travel a long way, coming from neighboring towns or, in some cases, nearby states. They receive innovative piano instruction and therapeutic music experiences tailored to their individual situations. They joyfully sing and dance, they laugh and clap their hands.They playpianos and other rhythm instruments made available through the generosity of private individuals and Shirk's Music Center, a leading retail music store in northern Indiana, and by the instruments' manufacturer, the Yamaha Corporation of America. They happily wave multi-colored scarves we call flags, and beat rhythm instruments of their choice. They study in facilities that have been provided without charge and dedicated solely to fine arts instruction by the hotel management and owners.
This is the story of these brave individuals who never thought they would be able to participate in music. It is told against the backdrop of the emergence of the Foundation for Music and Healing, Inc. This non-profit charitable organization is a broad-based effort by passionate parents and caring members of the community who have banded together to create a unique service to meet the special needs of exceptional people with disabilities. This is the story of people of all ages and from all walks of life who have stepped forward to realize their dreams of making music. They have special needs or disabilities ranging from mild to severe, but they happily express music in their own way. It is the story of incredible courage, hope, love and support from families and friends who make financial provisions so that regular, private lessons may take place. It is the story of vision and dedication of parents, educators, health care professionals and community leaders who believe that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has a right to participate in and enjoy the performing arts.
Just as important, this is the story of the healing power of music . . .

Table of Contents

Part I: Creation of the Foundation for Music and Healing, Inc.

Chapter 1: Getting Started
Chapter 2: Metrics, Methods and Miracles


Part II: The Foundation's Instructional Process

Chapter 3: Overview of the Instructional Process
Chapter 4: Students and Their Challenges
Chapter 5: The Music Coach
Chapter 6: The Foundation Experience: Raise Everyone!
Chapter 7: Theoretical Issues
Chapter 8: Research and Effects


Part III: Student Success Stories

Chapter 9: Austism and PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder)
Chapter 10: Cerebral Palsy
Chapter 11: Visually Impaired
Chapter 12: Cognitive Disorders
Chapter 13: Spina Bifida and Physical Impairments
Chapter 14: Down Syndrome
Chapter 15: Williams Syndrome

Part IV: Appendix

What People are Saying About This

Benjamin S. Carson

"Music has had a profound influence in my personal development, and I have noticed that it has the ability to reach parts of the human consciousness that are otherwise difficult to contact. As a pediatric neurosurgeon, I have been amazed to observe the calming influences of various types of musical modalities used with infants and even neonates. I am thrilled that Dr. Robinson and others have recognized that music therapy is every bit as legitimate as physical or occupational therapy when it comes to creating a sense of well-being in people. It is my hope that Making Our Own Kind of Music will positively influence those with the ability to utilize this tool to improve not only the lives of those afflicted with various types of maladies, but for everyone in their spheres of influence."--(Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., The Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D. and Dr. Evelyn Spiro, R.N. Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery Professor of Neurological Surgery, Oncology, Plastic Surgery, and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medicine)

Ethan Haimo

"Drawing on a wealth of practical experience, Chris Robinson has written a wonderful manual explaining how music can become a meaningful part of the lives of people with special needs, both as listeners and participants."--(Ethan Haimo, Professor of Music, University of Notre Dame)

Jeffrey Jacob

"This book is beautifully written and organized. It is an extremely important work. Congratulations on a wonderful contribution."--(Jeffrey Jacob, D.M.A., Professor of Music, St. Mary's College)

Richmond Calvin

Richmond Calvin
"Utilizing music, Dr. Robinson has written an extremely warm and sensitive book. The author addresses issues of the enrichment and enhancement of individuals with special needs."--(Richmond Calvin, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus, School of Education, Indiana University South Bend)