The Healing Power of Music at Ryan House

In honor of World Music Therapy Day, I want to share why this work is so close to my heart. Many of you may not know that I began my career as a music therapist, and I have seen how music can positively impact a child’s day by building confidence, inviting self-expression, and sometimes even bringing comfort when they are feeling uncomfortable or in pain.
I think of Hayden during one of his respite stays at Ryan House. He was sitting with his guitar, focused and intent on the strings, while I sat nearby simply listening. As he played, you could almost see the shift. His shoulders softened, his focus settled, and his confidence rose, like he was thinking, “I can do this.” I have seen that same thing happen when he has played for others, too. Once he starts, he gets lost in the music, and his nerves give way to pride.

That is the heart of music therapy. The goals are non-musical. The music is the tool. It can help a child express feelings they do not have words for, build confidence through small moments of success, connect socially, and sometimes even offer a sense of calm and comfort.

At Ryan House, our music therapist, Danielle, comes twice a week, creating opportunities for children staying with us to engage with instruments, that meet them exactly where they are, and each other, so every child can participate and feel successful. Danielle even created an original piece of music tied to one child’s heartbeat, turning it into a lasting memory held in sound. That is Ryan House. We create moments of connection and help families build memories and legacies they can carry forward.
Because of you, children at Ryan House receive life-enhancing care like this, including nearly 225 hours of music therapy each year. Thank you for your continued support. If you are able, please consider an additional gift today to help sustain music therapy and the moments of comfort, confidence, and connection it brings.

With gratitude for the moments you help create,
Tracy Leonard-Warner
Executive Director