By Mollee Francisco

It was half-way through the school year when eight-year-old Andrew Smith began to hum a song. For many eight-year-olds, this isn’t momentous, but for the Smith family, it was nothing short of miraculous.

Smith, a special needs student in Chaska, has limited communication skills. Humming songs was not part of his repertoire until he began music therapy at the Chaska School of Music.

Both his teacher Julia Johnson and his family were thrilled for Smith to find another avenue with which to express himself. Now, each week, Smith looks forward to his music therapy session. There he strums a guitar, counts with paper ducks and rolls a ball across the floor, among other activities.

“Progress is slow,” said mom Elizabeth Smith. “But that’s the same with anything he does.

“He loves it,” she continued. “He squealed when he noticed where we were today.

Music therapy is the latest offering from the Chaska School of Music. Director Leslie Hercules was excited to add the program when Johnson first contacted her about it.

“I called her on a Monday,” recalled Johnson. “She had me here Thursday for an interview.”

That was a year ago. Since that time, Johnson has taken on 14 students in individual sessions as well as two group classes as the Chaska Community Center.

“It touches my heart,” said Hercules of the new offering.

While the majority of classes at the Chaska School of Music are geared towards those pursuing an interest in music or a musical instrument, music therapy is different. Johnson’s goal is to “improve the quality of life through music.”

“I have the best job,” said Johnson, who has a degree in music therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is currently working on her master’s degree in early childhood education.

She is encouraged by the response her program has had so far.

“To go from zero to 14 is big,” she said. “And that’s all been by word of mouth.”

Music therapy can benefit children with language and developmental delays, autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrom, Cerebral Palsy and ADHD, among others.

“I was excited to have the opportunity to provide a service very needed here,” said Johnson.

Johnson’s sessions are individualized for each student’s needs and goals. She uses a variety of “sensory approaches” from textured balls and recorded music to brightly colored games and instruments to engage her students.

“A lot of parents sign up because it doesn’t seem like work for kids,” said Johnson. “We can usually find some way for the child to make progress and have fun.”

While it may not seem like work, the program does work for many, Johnson said. That can mean anything from improved communications skills, to better balance, to an increased attention span.

Johnson said she has seen children with choppy language skills sing entire songs after she works with them. She added that she’s seen all of her students’ attention spans increase.

Hercules said that the bottom line is, “If you think it might be beneficial, try it.”

Johnson is confident in the program because she experienced it for herself at a young age. Born deaf due to fluid in her ears, Johnson underwent surgery to restore her hearing. After surgery, Johnson’s mother enrolled her in music and dance lessons where she learned rhythm and pitch.

“It made a difference in my life,” she said. “I was pulled into this career because I know it works.”

Now Johnson is fortunate to share her lessons with others.

“I’m so happy to be doing it,” she said. “I’m so happy to be appreciated.”

“We’re lucky to have you,” said Hercules.

Hercules is also happy to open her studio up to those who may not have been interested in private music lessons.

“It makes my heart sing to touch that community of children,” she said.

Hercules said her music students have also benefited from the addition of new students.

“It rounds out our program very well,” she said.

Though they may be there for very different reasons, Hercules said there is at least commonality that unites all of her students.

“Music,” said Hercules. “It’s a universal language.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Chaska School of Music