Stories of Impact

Music Movement instrument donations go hand in hand with our music therapy grants, allowing children access to instruments and learning tools to practice at home. We were honored to receive this recent testimonial from a family: “My son is 8 and turning 9 in October. He is high-functioning and is Stage 2 on the autism spectrum. We are a low-income family and my son wants nothing more than to play drums and guitar. "Santa" brought him a guitar for Christmas a couple of years ago and he never puts it down. I really want to be able to give him a small drum set for his 9th birthday coming up. I really appreciate your consideration. God bless you and your program.”

Meet Finely, a 3 1/2 year old boy with ASD. He absolutely loves instruments. His Mama says when he plays he always wants to be outside and you can watch him become one with nature and his play. It is his outlet, joy and a form of expression.

Luca has been attending music therapy at the Westport School of Music for about two months now. He LOVES going to class every Saturday morning. After his very first session, Luca walked out of therapy and said “That was amazing!”. Ms. Kelsy is engaging, kind, and really tailors her therapy towards what the child shows an interest in. Kelsy also works on goals that either my son is working on at school or things I want him to become more independent with at home. Above all, Luca gets to show his musical side by playing instruments, making up songs with Ms. Kelsy, dancing to the beat he creates with his drum, and walks out with a smile on his face. This to me is exactly what I wanted for my son. Something he can feel successful at while enjoying what he is doing. Thank you so much for helping my son shine with your generous grant!

Semra is a 12-year-old with nonverbal autism and one of three triplets. Her mother first explored music therapy after learning about its benefits from an ABA supervisor. As a toddler, Semra had occasionally used words while singing, so music seemed like a natural bridge to communication. In May 2022, she began sessions with Heart Strings.

Early sessions were challenging—Semra had trouble sitting still, often wandering the room or disengaging. But over time, with the support and creativity of her therapist Abby, she began showing remarkable progress. Today, Semra stays seated, follows instructions, and engages actively during sessions.

Music therapy has led to real, meaningful change. With the incorporation of her AAC device (LAMP) and sign language, Semra is now using both to express herself more consistently, reducing frustration and emotional outbursts. She’s even begun verbalizing small words again—joyfully saying “yay” when Abby played a tune she had been humming.

Another major milestone was her ability to blow into instruments like a recorder—something she had never been able to do despite years of trying. That moment was a breakthrough, and she was visibly proud of herself.

Semra also recognizes and seeks out songs from therapy on her tablet at home, showing her deepening musical connection. Her mother is incredibly grateful to Heart Strings for helping Semra find her voice, and to Music Movement for making this opportunity possible. She truly believes this is just the beginning of what Semra can achieve through music.

Landen, a young boy with autism, (pictured here with his therapist) began learning piano thanks to the generous support of Music Movement—and along the way, experienced two remarkable breakthroughs.

First, he discovered a new sense of self-confidence. What began as weekly lessons evolved into something much bigger: Landen proudly performed in a recital on a grand piano, in front of a large audience. He played with poise and a beaming smile, visibly proud of himself—a moment his mother will never forget.

Second, Landen formed a meaningful friendship during the year. He and a fellow student, Tilda, could often be found practicing together or playing tag after class. This connection was especially significant, as Landen has historically struggled to form relationships with peers due to the social challenges of autism.

His mother is incredibly grateful for the support that made this experience possible. Piano lessons not only introduced Landen to music—they helped unlock confidence, connection, and joy.

Music Movement has awarded a grant to the McGlone Academy School, a Denver-based public school focused on early child developmental and educational activities. The $5,000 grant has funded creation of a new tech lab, featuring 35 learning stations equipped with tablets and an adaptive music learning software called Keys & Kingdoms designed to help students learn to play the keyboard. The Academy’s middle school started using the keyboard lab in early September, and students are enjoying the program and progressing well!

Music Movement has partnered with Keys & Kingdoms to incorporate this innovative product into its core programs focused on provide music therapy for children and individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other learning differences. Donations to Music Movement fund a variety of programs, with 93 cents of every dollar raised directly relieving some of the financial burden families face and to make therapy resources readily available.

Over the last decade, Music Movement has provided $50,000 in Partnership Grant funding to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) to help fund the equipment and supplies needed for CHOC's music therapists to work bedside with patients confined to their rooms during treatment as they battle life threatening illnesses. Music therapy can truly lift, heal and inspire.

Through this partnership we have been blessed to meet Sarah, one of the patients at CHOC. Music Movement recently granted Sarah a brand new keyboard, through our instrument donation program to support the continuation of her creative journey. Her smile says it all!