By Denise Freitag Burdette
ASSISTANT EDITOR, JOURNAL PRESS
Reprinted with permission from the Dearborn Journal Press

When Kiersten Meister was in college she decided to major in psychology. Then one day she was introduced to the concept of music therapy by friends. Although she always loved music, she never thought about combining it with her psychology studies, she said. “I just fell in love with the idea of it,” said Meister.

SUBMITTED PHOTO
Kiersten Meister, music therapist at The Arc, works with Anne Craig of Sunman.


Now a board-certified music therapist with Keys for Success, Cincinnati, Meister conducts music therapy groups in Southeastern Indiana in conjunction with The Arc of Dearborn County. The Arc offers three one-hour evening sessions in Logan, Penntown and Versailles and three half-hour daytime sessions at New Horizons Rehabilitation in Batesville and Penntown for individuals who attend NHR day program and workshop. More than 60 individuals presently participate. The mission of The Arc is “partnering with various community members to heighten awareness of people who have developmental disabilities and to routinely provide opportunities for enrichment and dignity to occur within their lives.”

“The weekly group music therapy sessions, conducted by board-certified music therapists, are available in multiple area locations at no cost to southeastern Indiana residents who have intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said president Karen Craig of Sunman.

Music therapy can be conducted on an individual level or as a group, said Meister. The group sessions are usually 45 minutes to an hour, she said. A variety of instruments are used, including, guitar, piano, shakers, drums and other percussions. The groups include participants of various ages and skill levels. “A lot of people think they need to be a good musician to do this, but it’s all about the process,” said Meister.

Music therapy can be individualized to meet certain skill goals. Participants also have the chance to express themselves, she said. Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized non-musical goals. The interactive group sessions are conducive to the development of social and communication skills, and further incorporate fine and gross motor skills, and a sense of rhythm.

Meister recalls one student, a 4-year-old with autism, she worked with through a different program. Nonverbal, everyone was excited when the child arrived for music therapy one day and stated, “Guitar, let’s play.” She also loves the more subtle improvements she sees in her students, said Meister. “We love when parents join, learn what motivates their kids and do it at home,” she said. “I like to play the drums, cymbals and the cabasa,” said Ellie Holt, Milan. Lori Holt said her daughter, attends the therapy sessions every other week. “She loves it. She loves music. It helps her learn patience and meet new friends. It has been really good for her,” she said. Now when she listens to music, Ellie can pick out the sounds of certain instruments, such as a trumpet, said Lori Holt. “My son is here about every week,” said Paula Simmons, who is the mother of Thomas Simmons, Greendale. Her daughter also often attends the sessions with her brother, she said. “Sometimes, I can’t decide who enjoys it more, him or her,” laughed Simmons. When asked what he likes about the group, Thomas mentioned playing musical chairs. Max Rinck, Aurora, was one of the first participants in the group. He agreed with Meister that he likes to dance. His dad, Dan, said his daughter has been inspired to consider music therapy in college.

Funding for the therapy at the Arc is provided by the Indiana Arts Commission’s Regional Initiative Grant program through the Columbus Area Arts Council and contributions from area individuals and businesses. All sites are accessible and group sessions are open to individuals, ages two and older. Sessions are limited to 15 participants weekly and individuals are encouraged to sign up in advance each week from the Group Music Therapy homepage link found at www.dearborncountyarc.org where additional details may be found. The phone number is 812-623-0229. Interested high school students and adults who wish to volunteer during the group sessions can email volunteer@dearborncountyarc.org.


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