The music therapy discipline is a fundamental and highly respected element of care for people with dementia, developmental and learning disabilities, brain injuries, and many other conditions—and the University of Iowa School of Music has contributed in important ways to its growth, through training therapists and conducting foundational research.
The Rhapsodie String Quartet of the Madison Symphony Orchestra
Later this month, the UI and eastern Iowa community will have a chance to learn about a successful music therapy-informed program, when the UI and West Music team up to bring the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s HeartStrings program—a community engagement initiative that serves children and adults with special needs—for a two-day residency.
The MSO’s Rhapsodie String Quartet will host a free, public “Under the Hood” program in the University Capitol Centre Recital Hall from 12:30 p.m.-1:20 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23. The event will feature the Rhapsodie String Quartet, MSO Director of Community Engagement Kathryn Schwarzmann, MSO music therapist Laurie Farnan, and UI music and music therapy educators.
“Anyone with an interest in music with special populations will find the Under the Hood event a fascinating exploration of the development of the MSO’s HeartStrings program,” said Mary Adamek, head of the Music Therapy Area of the UI School of Music.
During their residency, the Rhapsodie String Quartet will also perform in a specially designed HeartStrings program for residents of Iowa City’s Oaknoll Retirement Residence and their families. The Oaknoll session will be closed to the public.
The residency is co-sponsored by the UI Music Therapy Program, the UI String Quartet Residency Program, the UI Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, and West Music.
About HeartStrings
HeartStrings is the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s award-winning, music therapy-informed community engagement program that serves children and adults with special needs, including developmental and physical disabilities, long-term illnesses, assisted living needs, and dementia.
The program aims to serve participants by enhancing their quality of life and overcoming the barrier presented by concert halls by bringing live, high-quality classical music to them through a series of highly participatory music sessions.
HeartStrings is presentedby the MSO’s Rhapsodie Quartet at community partner locations which include healthcare facilities, state institutions, and retirement communities.
