Anchor Center Receives Substantial Donation of Instruments for Music Therapy Program

We have had an amazing opportunity to work with a donor, a mix engineer and multi–Grammy Awards winner, to support our music therapy program. In the past six months, a large number of musical instruments have been donated specifically to benefit the needs of our students with visual impairments. These instruments gifted to Anchor include: our very own acoustic guitar, 5 large gathering drums, 5 keyboards that are light, portable, and red in color for visual attention, and a Bluetooth sound system for our preschool graduation and other Anchor community events. More recently, we’ve been working with this donor and his team to fund some adaptive outdoor musical drums for our inclusive playground that is set to be completed this summer 2023.

His generosity goes beyond words. These musical gifts are not only creating playful and fun social opportunities, but they are allowing our students to grow, learn and practice functional skills as well. For instance, rhythm is a powerful component in music. The brain systems are dependent and respond to rhythm and thrives from patterns. Using purposeful drumming activities encourages bilateral hand use and support early development of the language system.

Additionally, we are looking to build a music lending library. This will allow families to access a variety of musical instruments and musical play ideas beyond the doors of Anchor Center.  Families and caregivers can take the playful activities practiced in our music centers and model these activities in their home environment.

This incredible donation came to be because of a third-party event, held by parents of students, Ryder and Tivoli, in our Infant/Toddler program, called Biking for Blindness. This donor participated in the ride with his friends (and current Anchor student, Ryder and family). After learning more about Anchor Center, he connected with staff to see how he could help. More specifically, how he could provide more music opportunities for our young learners. “His excitement, enthusiasm, and passion to share all the wonderful qualities of music blew me away,” said Laura Ganguli, Anchor Center’s Music Therapist. “He particularly talked about a current student, Ryder.  When Ryder first game to Anchor, he was sitting on his mom’s lap taking in the world around him. Fast forward months later, he is using his voice throughout music, drumming and climbing on the gathering drums used during music center and making visual choices when presented with instruments. All with his happy, sweet personality,” said Laura.

“To the outside world, this may seem like just a typical fun music making session. However, during these moments, Ryder had been developing his auditory skills which are important for speech/language development, motor skills to build coordination and visual attention. We are beyond grateful for this donor’s desire to make music accessible to even the youngest learners. His gifts will continue to give for years to come.”