West Music, provider of music therapy services to the Central and Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois region since 1994, is proud to announce its participation in Music Therapy Awareness Week, February 23 to February 27, 2015. Music Therapy Awareness Week is intended to help educate the public about the benefits of music therapy for individuals in a wide variety of circumstances or settings. West Music will celebrate the week by honoring their on-staff music therapists, sharing with the community the benefits and value of music therapy, and by showcasing tools and products designed for music therapists and the therapy setting. Additionally, Music Therapists from around the state of Iowa will gather at the Iowa State Capitol on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 to educate state legislators about music therapy and its uses.
About Music Therapy
Music therapy is the clinical and evidenced based use of music to achieve non-musical goals such as cognitive, emotional, social, and motor skills in addition to communication skills. A Music Therapist uses both instrumental and recorded music to help individuals work on these specific goal areas. Individuals of all ages can participate in music therapy. Therapists work with clients to develop a program that is unique to them and based off of their personal music preferences. No prior musical knowledge or experience is required to participate and benefit from music therapy.
About Music Therapy Services at West Music
Music Therapy Services at West Music believes in the therapeutic value and benefits of music for all people. West Music is dedicated to enhancing the lives of all clients through successful musical experiences that address specific needs with respect and dignity. Music Therapy Services of West Music currently provides support and services to more than 500 clients weekly in a wide variety of settings including West Music studios, school systems, hospice, and private homes. Music Therapy Services available through West Music include one to one individual therapy, small group therapy (3-6 people), large group therapy (6-12 people), recreational music classes and adaptive music lessons. For more information about Music Therapy Services at West Music, please visit musictherapy.westmusic.com or contact Kelly Carlson, MA, MT-BC, Director of Music Therapy Services at West Music at kcarlson@westmusic.com.
About West Music Company
Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music! West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services. West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.
Aaron Hansen is an experienced K-6 General Music educator, passionate about bringing music to life through the Orff Approach. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Aaron has completed comprehensive Orff Teacher Training, including three levels at the University of St. Thomas and an Orff Master Class. His dedication to the Orff method took him to the Summer International Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Aaron also shares his expertise by teaching movement at various Orff Teacher Training Courses and conducting workshops for local Orff Chapters.
