When Meds Fail: A Case for Music Therapy

"Nothing lights up the brain than music. But on a spiritual level, we let music into places we don't let anybody else." - Tim
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (American Music Therapy Association). It is being used in the medical and rehab settings to address physical, emotional, psycho-social, cognitive, and spiritual needs of patients from pre-term infants to the elderly.
Can there truly be an intersection in life where one can fulfill a lifelong passion and contribute to others' happiness? Tim Ringgold proves that you can indeed. In his inspiring talk, viewers are invited to witness how Music can truly be a transformational bridge to many divides. Tim Ringgold is Director of Sonic Divinity, which provides music therapy services in Orange County, CA.

It's Kind of a Music Therapy...

The cast from "It's Kind of a Funny Story" performing Under Pressure by David Bowie and Freddy Mercury. Kind of cool.
-- Watch Queen and David Bowie performance

3 Keys for rethinking education

"If we want people to change the world and inspire others, we must first inspire them"
Rafael Parente, Brazilian educator and researcher, tells the story of launching a new open education platform, Educopédia, in Rio de Janiero. The challenges and successes of the program, and how it changed one boy's life. According to Rafael innovation, inspiration, and infrastructure are the 3 keys for rethinking education. Interesting ideas, in particular that inspiration is absolutely crucial in achieving or pursuing any goal. We believe that without inspiration there is no sense of belonging, and without sense of belonging there is no sense of community or sense of self, both required to add a fundamental layer of meaning and motivation to all we do.

I Believe

"No need askin' where I've been, just ask me where I'm goin' / 'Cause I won't be ashamed to tell ya / I live my life knowin' all the roads ahead of me / Are filled with peace and love"
A visionary high school choir director ignites in his students a relentless determination to achieve true artistry... BIG VOICE documentary sheds light on the power of Arts Education.
-- Watch trailer

The Danger of Silence

"We spend so much time listening to the things people are saying that we rarely pay attention to the things they don't. Silence is the residue of fear" - A short, powerful piece from the heart, about finding the courage to speak up against ignorance and injustice. Clint Smith is a poet and educator whose work blends art and activism.
"So this year, instead of giving something up, I will live every day as if there were a microphone tucked under my tongue, a stage on the underside of my inhibition. Because who has to have a soapbox when all you've ever needed is your voice?"
-- Watch on TED website

Hallelujah

Please look at these kids in the eyes and honestly say that music does not make us better persons.
A beautiful performance from the kids of the PS22 Chorus.
-- Learn more about PS22 Chorus