With everything going on nowadays, it can be hard to find a positive beat. In Ms. Schagrin’s class, students have been able to work through the tough times. Since January, board-certified music therapist Emily Byrnes has been working with students to promote music education and music expression. 

For over three years, Byrnes has been “working with students and clients of all ages with developmental disabilities” in a non-profit organization called MusicWorks Music Therapy. 

She said, “I absolutely love being a music therapist and working with this population. My brother is on the autism spectrum so I have had plenty of experience with people with special needs.”

In Ms. Schagrin’s class on Thursdays from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., Byrnes works to teach valuable skills through music. 

“With Ms. Schagrin’s class, we are working on following directions, self-expression, socialization and completing tasks through the use of musical interventions,” she said. “Some of the activities that we participate in are using egg shakers, percussion tubes and colorful scarves along to popular songs. I will also sing a song or two to promote relaxation and listening between the upbeat activities. The students are allowed to pick songs that they want to hear [too].”

Students enjoy being a part of the lessons. Sophomore Greg Neumann said he loves dancing during class, as well as listening to “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Shannon Staley likes listening to “For the First Time in Forever” from Frozen. 

Ms. Schagrin has noticed benefits from the lessons as well. She said, “The music lessons allow my students to be engaged, incorporate movement into their days in ways they wouldn’t otherwise and practice following directions [with] their peers. ”

Of course, having fun is still an important part of the lessons. Byrnes said, “I love working with this class! They bring so much energy and enthusiasm to every activity, and they are so much fun! The group loves to dance and express themselves through movement. I am so grateful to be working with such a lovely group of people!”

Not only do the students get involved, but Ms. Schagrin gets involved too. She said, “I love everything about [the lessons]. The kids look forward to these days and I get to see another fun, silly side of their personalities.”