CORALVILLE, IOWA (August 21, 2020) — West Music–Music Therapy Services has just launched their newest program, Musical Connections. Designed specifically for three groups (older adults, adults with disabilities, or young children), this music therapy-informed programming is suited for nursing facilities, group homes, or day-cares, as well as for individuals seeking relief during this global crisis.
Musical Connections is an online-subscription service in which subscribers receive eight unique 30-minute videos in the category of their choice each month. The video programming features familiar songs designed to engage the viewer in singing, songwriting, moving, reminiscing, learning, and a whole lot of fun! These videos can be programmed into facility TV channels, or played directly from any internet-enabled device.
“Knowing that COVID-19 has created a lot of isolation and loneliness in our communities, our team of music therapists wanted to design a program to reach everyone where they are,” says Kelly Carlson MA/MT-BC, and Director of Music Therapy at West Music. “Our team was all a bit wary about moving to the virtual environment with our sessions, but we have received only positive feedback! Musical Connections is a natural extension of our music-therapy services, and offers a wide variety of activities including writing songs, making kazoos from home materials, reminiscing about state fairs and summers past, and just a chance to forget all of the things that are happening in the world to cause us anxiety.”
Music Therapist Hayley Graham MA/MT-BC agrees. “While we aren’t able to make music together these days, it is nice to have the connection through our TV screens.”
About West Music
West Music is a third-generation locally-owned and family-operated business. For over 75 years, West Music has been the area’s leading partner in music education, specializing in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offering music instruction, repair, and music-therapy services. With seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning e-commerce websites dedicated to servicing music education and percussion communities, West Music strives to encourage people of all ages and abilities to play now and play for life.
To try out Musical Connections or see a brief clip introducing the service, visit musictherapy.westmusic.com/musical-connections.For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.
