Alisha is in kindergarten and loves learning to read! She was initially shy in music therapy, but as she’s gotten to know the music therapist and another girl in the class, she has begun opening up and singing along. 

Alisha has a beautiful voice and her favorite song is “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys (yes, the similar name might have something to do with it!)  She is undecided between being a horse trainer and musician when she grows up.

Jared keeps the group laughing with his silly jokes and facial expressions when the therapist calls on him.  He is in second grade and is working to stay on topic and share his authentic thoughts or feelings.  

Jared comes up with really creative musical compositions and even uses his “conductor hands” to follow the rhythm.  He also gets along well with everyone in the group.  Jared wants to become a fighter pilot.

As a fourth grader, Makena sees herself as the “mother hen” of the music therapy group she is in.  She is working on not taking on too much responsibility for others and just enjoying trying out instruments. 

Makena wants to learn guitar chords so she can play a song for her aunt’s wedding.  She aspires to be a children’s book author when she gets older, but for now, she enjoys reading books to her two younger siblings.

Amani is in first grade and loves to show off some of his dance moves.  He has since gotten the opportunity on several occasions, especially when with the “30 Second Dance Party Button” that his therapist introduced recently to the group.  

Each time Amani stays focused on the group activities instead of playing with toys in the classroom, the therapist allows him to push the button and dance.  He wants to be an electrical engineer when he grows up.

Ellie is in third grade and likes to spend time cooking meals with her grandmother on the weekends.  She has a younger sister and enjoys braiding her hair. Her favorite school subject is math. 

When she first came to the group, Ellie was a bit shy but is now opening up and making song suggestions.  She also remains very focused on the activities, even when others in the group get distracted at times.  Ellie wants to be a chef.

Javier is in first grade and loves science, especially sea creatures.  His favorite instrument so far is the maraca, which he shakes to creative, energetic rhythms. 

He is working on learning how to respond appropriately to a peer who sometimes bothers him instead of fighting.  He likes giving advice or feedback and also pitches in to clean up at the end of sessions without being asked.  Javier wants to work on a submarine when he grows up.

Danae is in first grade and is so happy to be part of the music therapy group because her best friend is also in the group!  She is in first grade, has three siblings, and enjoys P.E. She also loves dancing to Katy Perry, Beyonce, or Jordin Sparks music. 

In music therapy, Danae enjoys making groovy beats with both egg shakers and djembes. She is working on taking turns in the group but is also super helpful and tries to make sure other kids are included.

Tariq is getting used to a new culture and language, having just moved to America over the summer.  He gets teased in his other classes, so his therapist makes a point of providing frequent positive feedback. 

Tariq is very polite and patient, giving other students a turn first and going last.  He has benefitted so far from imitating musical rhythms by twirling scarves and does a signature “jump move” when doing group dancing activities.

Sara is a first grader who is primarily Spanish-speaking, and her favorite school subject is science. So far in music therapy, she has enjoyed trying out the ukulele. She comes from a large household, so she is working on developing self-expression.

Sara's music therapist is encouraging her to work on this goal by either verbally stating or playing on an instrument how she is feeling each week.  She wants to be a princess when she grows up.