Magical Musical Medicine

Kristie on our Contributor:
Justine Chadly is the owner of In Harmony and has been a registered Music Together® teacher and licensed center director since 2003. She holds a BA in music from UC Davis with an emphasis in vocal performance and holds an MA in Music Education with an emphasis in early childhood and special needs from San Francisco State University. Watching her in action is a thing of beauty. She is magnetic. Her vivacious smile, warm demeanor and easy way allow for her students and their parents to let their guards down and sing. The experience is magical. I most appreciate that she never “mommy shamed” me. In all the various stages of my 3 kids development, I felt accepted by her. Yes, even when my monkeys were having a meltdown or running in circles. I am beyond grateful that she teaches my children the gift of music and for her to be our first Mickie’s Miracles contributor.
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Mickie is now a 5 year old independent rockstar (literally!) who sings in tune, knows all the lyrics to her favorite songs and leads you well as you join in to sing with her. But when she first came to me after surviving brain surgery as an infant, none of us would have expected the thriving, vibrant, brighter than ever little girl before our eyes now. With the parietal, occipital and temporal lobes removed from the left hemisphere of her brain, Mickie and the Griess family joined my Music Together classes and music worked its magic.
The effect of music on the brain, especially in the most critical years of life in early childhood are profound and Mickie’s recovery is a testimony to that. Known as neuroplasticity, the brain has the ability to create new synaptic connections as well as LOSE those that aren’t being used. Involvement in music, especially in early childhood, can affect the type and extent of neural connections that are formed. So by bringing Mickie to class to make music as a family, Gabe and Kristie did just the right thing! Consistent, enthusiastic engagement and participation in a play-based music learning environment is sure to have had a tremendous impact on Mickie’s development and recovery.
She entered class, just as most infants do, as a passive participant….she was there soaking in the music, communication, actions and reactions around her. But as soon as she was physically able, she’d reach out to play the drum, shake her shakers, singing along, and LOVED dancing with her daddy to the waltzes. She’s now taking private lessons with me and just this week sang a song almost 100% in tune…something most typically functioning 5 year olds can’t do!
The biggest honor for a teacher is to be included in such a magical journey…Mickie and the Griess family: thank you for allowing me in and most of all allowing the music to work its magic. Miracles such as Mickie’s are what continue to inspire me in the field.
For more information on our regular programming visit inharmonymusic.net.