Music and Healing: Understanding Cognitive Difference Through Music

Speakers: Kittie Cooper, Anna Maria Manalo, Loretta Notareschi (moderator), and Dean Olsher

How does the power of music affect those with mental illnesses and cognitive differences? Can music help shape our understanding of mental vulnerabilities and help heal those who suffer? In this session, the panel will explore these questions and demonstrate how chamber music performances can be adapted in sensory-friendly ways to accommodate those with autism and other cognitive differences. Panelists will use their experiences in hospital residencies, special education, music therapy, and sensory-friendly programming to introduce effective strategies for using music as a healing art.