Khloe Plays Digital Guitar: An Emily’s House Music Therapy Treasure
One of the most exciting, new elements in our Music Therapy program is the recent acquisition of an Enya Cyber-G Digital Guitar, with thanks to Kiwanis Club of Toronto Foundation Arts and Culture grant funding. This instrument is quick to learn and easier to play for many of our children and youth who have physical limitations, or a lack of time and energy to play a typical instrument. The digital guitar can be used in many ways. Music can be pre-programmed into the digital guitar, and the touchpads on the guitar neck will light up in bright neon colour to guide a child to follow along, play the correct chords, and experience playing music themselves!
Beyond following pre-programmed music, the guitar has software applications that help them: learn more quickly; play with a limited range of motion, like using only the upper handle of the guitar if the child has a physical disability; and other customizable options. Children and youth are supported in composing original music as part of Emily’s House Legacy programming. A simply brilliant tool for Music Therapy, the hope and intention are to support songwriting with children and families, and to help children feel successful in playing an instrument.
Khloe Jams on the New Emily’s House Digital Guitar:
Khloe is a pre-teen. She has all the moods and personality expressions of a child her age. She likes country music, Taylor Swift, and friendship bracelets. She will often participate with a strong presence in group activities, or choose to do her own thing. Khloe took an immediate interest in the new Emily’s House digital guitar. She quickly learned how to play, and used the option to adjust the speed of the music so she could follow the lights and play the chords along with the song. She had previously written and recorded a song with our music therapist, and wanted to record a new song while playing the digital guitar. In the final recording, her voice is quiet because she is focusing on playing and singing at the same time … and for the first time. She has since played the recording for other children at Emily’s House children’s hospice, while playing along on the digital guitar at the same time, captivating every audience possible.
In one session with our music therapist, Khloe became an afficionado! Khloe has since played intimate (captive audience) mini concerts and performances for other children, staff and volunteers at Emily’s House on every occasion she’s given an opportunity. There’s currently an enthusiastic demand from children wanting to participate in Music Therapy sessions where they, too, can play digital guitar.
Rave Reviews for Khloe’s Digital Guitar Performance:
One child, who was admitted at Emily’s House for medical respite and recreation, was particularly delighted to listen to Khloe playing the digital guitar. This child has physical disabilities and communicates her “yes”es by placing her fist on her forehead. When asked if she enjoyed Khloe’s performance, she gestured a cascade of enthusiastic “yes”es, on her forehead. One might translate her response to: “Bravo, maestro!”
Video – Khloe Plays the Emily’s House Digital Guitar:
In this video, Khloe plays one of her favourite songs, by an artist James Arthur: “Say You Won’t Let Go.” Khloe plays the new Emily’s House digital guitar, as our music therapist provides beautiful vocals for this performance video.
Special thanks to lead patrons – Kinross Gold, Lillian Meighen and Don Wright Foundation, and Nick and Loretta Pantaleo via Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Toronto – who help make our Music Therapy Program available to our children, including: 566 Music Therapy Sessions in total for the last year. With thanks also to the Harry E. Foster Charitable Foundation who donate toward inclusive hospice programming for people with developmental disabilities; and, to the Kiwanis Club of Toronto Foundation for the Arts and Culture grant funding for the digital guitar.
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