Music therapist Megan Chappius helps Jamie Formisano use a switch to activate a bell sound.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Hanukkah Dance” and a “Santa Claus Medley” were just some of the holiday songs performed by the Matheny Choirs on December 3 and 4 in the Robert Schonhorn Arts Center.

The vocal choir and midi bell counterparts (for nonverbal participants) are part of Matheny’s unique music therapy program. The music therapy staff consists of five full-time, board-certified music therapists. The choirs perform throughout the year at a variety of venues. Their appearances this year included both Holiday Express benefit concerts, December 11 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ, and tonight (December 18) at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ; the Peapack–Gladstone tree lighting ceremony; and the annual Festival of Trees at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge, NJ.

Matheny’s music therapy program also facilitates trips by students and patients to outside concerts and musical performances.

The vocal choir in full holiday swing.

Student Daeon Troutman with music therapy intern Sabrina Deutsch.

Music therapists at Matheny use various types of music to positively impact students and patients’ cognitive, physical, emotional and social skills, helping them realize their potential in society. Activities and techniques include improvisation, rhythm, songwriting, song, chants, instrumental activities, live and recorded music.

On a recent Saturday morning, local DJ Craig Sinclair was scheduled to perform in the children’s dining room, but the weather was so perfect that everyone went outside. It was music therapy at its best.

Adult patient John Nguyen and recreation therapist Meghan Walsh.

Adult patient Tony Santia, center, selects a song, assisted by rehab technician Skip Kessler and music therapy director Lynn Coyle.

“You don’t need to sing like an ‘Idol’ to participate. You don’t even need to know how to sing!”

That was the invitation delivered to Matheny staff members, students and patients on Wednesday, August 15, for a mid-week program called “Singing for Yourself” held during lunch time by the music therapy department.

Music therapists use various types of music to positively impact students’ and patients’ cognitive, physical, emotional and social skills, helping them realize their potential in society. Activities and techniques include improvisation, rhythm, songwriting, songs, chants, instrumental activities, live music and recorded music.

Employee nurse Joan Ray sings along with music therapist Greg Perkins.

The Matheny choirs in performance.

Medleys of songs from Lady Gaga and Adele, along with Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” were among the selections performed by the Matheny choirs at their spring concerts held May 9 and 10 in the Robert Schonhorn Arts Center. In addition, the audience was treated to a performance of the David Guetta/Usher hit, “Without You,” by the music therapy staff.

The music therapy program at Matheny provides musical experiences designed to promote participants’ growth in cognitive, behavioral, physical, emotional, creative, social and leisure skills.