Artist-in-Residence at Fircrest School teaches communication skills through music

Since 1993 the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council has run an Artists-in-Residence program that has been bringing together artists, teachers and students in Shoreline Public Schools. Last year 26 projects were funded, totaling over $18,500.

One project that they fund is different from the others, serving students who have unique challenges and barriers to learning. It is a music program for students who attend the Fircrest School, and this residency runs for months rather than just for a few short weeks.

Wendy Zieve assists a Fircrest student with an autoharp.

Fircrest School serves students who have behavioral challenges due to autism and other complex disorders. Wendy Zieve, Shoreline resident and the Fircrest Artist-in-Resident, is also a board certified music therapist and has a long list of non-musical goals that she has targeted for these students. She teaches communication skills through music, even the most basic skills, like listening and sitting with others.

Research shows that music is an effective way to reach autistic students and those with developmental disorders, because the brain processes music differently than speech. 

"I've seen so many kids that if you sing something, they understand what to do, but if you say it sometimes there's no comprehension," Zieve said. 

She sings, rather than speaks, most commands. When it's time for students to clap with the beat, most need adult help. 

State Representative Cindy Ryu recently came to observe a session, partly to understand what population was being served at Fircrest School and also to increase her awareness of the profession of music therapy.  Here is what she saw:

"Within the 30 minute session, I saw the positive effect this time had on these teens. They are severely autistic, etc. yet they participated at their levels. It was obvious they thoroughly enjoyed the session (as I did also) and one particular young man who was very shy hid less and less behind his clothing as the session went on. I saw socialization, expression of individual opinions, dexterity exercises, following directions, and most impressively, they knew when to STOP. These weekly sessions have a positive outcome on the rest of their week."

The Artist-in-Residence program is currently accepting grant applications from Shoreline School District teachers to bring visual and performing artists to their classrooms this winter and spring 2012. The grant applications are due on November 10th. To find out more, go to the Shoreline Arts website