Testimonials
At A to G Music Therapy & Instruction, we believe that there are many important people who help to make our services successful for all who are involved. We love all the "stakeholders" who care for individuals and students who we are lucky enough to work with. Here's what some of them have to say...
I am the Autistic Support teacher for grades K-2 at Penrose Elementary. I can’t express enough emphasis on the importance of the Music Therapy program for all of my students. The program is very effective in facilitating joint attention behaviors and social engagement. Even my most challenging and non-verbal students will sit and attend longer during music therapy than they will in any other group activity. The students are also working on functional behaviors such as staying in seat, looking at person and following directions to name a few, all of which helps with their developmental growth. Several years ago, I was at an affluent school district in a suburban area that had a music therapist come in twice a week for the Autistic support classrooms. That was my first experience with seeing the benefits of music therapy. I was ecstatic when the Music Therapy started here at Penrose. Students in the urban and low-income school districts do not have the same access to many of the supports and services that are funded in more affluent districts. I feel strongly that the students in the urban environment are as deserving as the students in wealthier districts and should have access to such proven and effective services as Music Therapy.
Autistic Support Teacher,
Penrose Elementary
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Ms. Debbie,
Just wanted to touch base to let you know how much my class loves music therapy! Each of them are extremely excited and happy when you arrive. Being in MDS and receiving music therapy allows my students to receive a style and pace of music that meets their needs and maintains their attention. You are both really good with interacting and ensuring everyone participates and feels included. We wish you could come everyday!! Thank you so much!
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Multiple Disability Support Teacher, Penrose Elementary
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I wanted to express my appreciation for the Music Therapy program my students in the Multiple Disabilities Classroom receive here at Penrose. Being led by Deb Cotterall and her assistant, Ms. Cynthia, my students are actively engaged for the entire session. Through song and movement, my students learn new words, new movements and have a wonderful time, expressing happiness and laughter! They look forward to singing with Ms. Cotterall each Monday morning. Her calm manner and musical professionalism is outstanding.
Being in an MDS classroom, my students are mostly non-verbal and have a lot of medical needs. They are able to choose songs they love and greatly benefit from this multi-sensory therapy through music. My staff and I are so so grateful to have Ms. Cotterall and we look forward to anything we can do to continue her work here at Penrose.
Multiple Disability Support Teacher, Penrose Elementary
Angela Park,
Office of Specialized Services
School District of Philadelphia
(formerly IU Director of Lamberton IU)
Ms. Debbie was an instrumental member of our IU team last school year. Our program served students requiring special education services. Our students had a range of needs but all of them required intense emotional interventions. Ms. Debbie served as our music therapist every week and immersed our students into a world of musical opportunities. The students were always so excited to see Ms. Debbie and she developed interactive lessons that engaged our students. We felt fortunate to have Ms. Debbie’s consistent and energetic support!
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Debbie,
I wanted to let you know how grateful I am that you have been coming to the our school for the past 2 years. The songs have really given my students who don't communicate a voice. It makes me happy to see them interact with the songs and try to do the movements with you. You and your students have done a great job interacting with the students and have been patience getting them to pick the songs from pictures that they want to hear next. They also enjoy playing the different instruments that you bring with you. This has been a great program to help with there social skills, rec. and leisure, and learning how to wait there turns.
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Multiple Disability Support Teacher, Penrose Elementary
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My students love music therapy. This program offers them a completely different experience than our music class offered in school. Ms. Debbie teaches them rhythm and sings fun and catchy songs. These songs help them with rhyming, communication, taking turns and motor skills. Our school music class focuses more on the structure of music than allowing the students to create and experience the music. This is an important learning experience for students with Autism and I would hope we can keep this fun and engaging session.
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Autistic Support Teacher, Penrose Elementary
Music Therapy has a lot of benefits for my students with Autism. Being that we are a school with not a lot of resources or funding, our general music program is lacking. Music Therapy provides music in a way that my students wouldn't otherwise have access to. They love the songs, instruments and YOU (Ms. Debbie). Music Therapy helps them with their communication, sensory issues, behavior and cognition. Music encourages communicative behavior and encourages interaction with others. The dancing exercises also help to stimulate their sensory systems, and allows them to enhance fine motor skills.
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Autistic Support Teacher,
Penrose Elementary
