FONDAZIONE ARIEL
Orchestral Music Therapy Program for Children with Disabilities
The Orchestral Music Therapy project is offered in collaboration with the Sequeri Esagramma Foundation for children (ages 4 and up), adolescents, and adults with intellectual disabilities, genetic syndromes, or sensory or motor difficulties. No prior musical experience is required: an interest in instruments, even if demonstrated with shyness, is sufficient for successful work.
Why the Orchestra?
Music is body and mind, even for those with significant physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. It allows us to establish connections, weave relationships, experience and modulate emotions without using words. The orchestra is a privileged and high-profile educational space, where the interweaving of sounds allows for a refined interplay of roles and mutual expectations, responsibility, and spaces for personal expression and growth, where musical instruments are precious allies. Each member of the orchestra is encouraged to experiment with different ways of engaging with the musical fabric: modulating their own sound to expose themselves, accompanying others, engaging in dialogue, interpreting, and imagining.
Program Objectives
- Active involvement of students and therapists in small orchestral groups
- Psych pedagogical support
- Reinvestment in communication and interpersonal skills
- Building a competent self-image
Even in situations of significant physical, sensory, psychological, and mental limitations, violins, cellos, percussion instruments, and harps become valuable allies in discovering new personal resources and a profound passion for music.
Work Organization
Work in groups, consisting of an average of 5 students with disabilities, supported by 3 educators (musicians and educational psychologists), led by a musician and accompanied by a pianist.
Esagramma specialists have completed a specific Master’s Degree or a Specialization Course recognized by the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR).
When and where
The program takes place from mid-October to mid-May each year and includes two 45-minute meetings per week. Activities take place at Esagramma, located at Via Bartolini, 48, Milan (Viale Certosa – Piazza Firenze area).
Each school year includes:
22 45-minute group Orchestral Music Therapy sessions
1 end-of-year recital
1 mid-year interview with the relevant figures
1 final feedback interview and the production of a final report
Who is the Esagramma Foundation?
The Sequeri Esagramma Foundation Onlus is a Milan-based organization that for over 30 years has offered rehabilitation, therapeutic, and artistic programs aimed at the inclusion of people with disabilities and disadvantage, personal growth, healing, and the rediscovery of beauty in all its forms.
Over the years, the action research group, led by Professors Licia Sbattella and Pierangelo Sequeri, has worked with more than 1,500 young people with difficulties and has developed the Esagramma Methodologies of Orchestral Music Therapy and Inclusive Orchestral Education.
Esagramma specialists have completed a specific Master’s Degree or a Specialization Course recognized by the Ministry of Education, University and Research.
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