Our Impact
“Vince looked forward to music therapy every week. He loved the drums and the hello song, and the class helped him interact more with peers. It was a positive space for him to do what he loves without pressure, and he’d be excited to come back!”
Amy, mom of Vince (age 5)
We make Music Therapy Accessible for Individuals with ASD & IDD. We are a small but mighty non-profit.
H&S serves 30 families each month
More than half of our families pay on a sliding scale
Our client base doubled in the past year
H&S has established Music therapy programs at more than 15 sites across Middle Tennessee
The Sing & Connect Program gave my family a community so we don’t feel alone. Presley began speaking and singing more than ever, and she still sings the welcome song every day. Sing & Connect has been a monumental part of our autism journey.”
Sarah, mom of 4-year-old Presley
The Sing & Connect Program
We have successfully implemented this 8-week community music therapy group 6 times. The first two were volunteer-led, the next was made possible through grant funding from the generosity of The Jiselle Lauren Foundation, and with our charitable donor we are completing 4 more this year.
May – June
2024
@Sound Starts Music Therapy
Frisco, TX
Oct – Dec
2024
@Richland Park Library
Nashville, TN
Apr – May 2025
@We Rock the Spectrum, Murfreesboro, TN
June - July
2026
@Illuminate Academy
Nashville, TN
Sep- Oct
2026
@High Hopes Academy
Franklin, TN
Oct - Nov
2026
@We Rock the Spectrum Franklin, TN
Achieving Program Goals
Caregiver-Child Bonding, Socialization, and Literacy
Sing & Connect provides a nurturing environment where children with special needs enhance their communication, social skills, and emotional expression through interactive music activities and storytelling. The program fosters connections among families, promotes inclusive practices, and builds supportive communities. It has improved caregiver, parent, and family mental health and well-being.
Individuals who moved the
needle for us!
Impact of $500 from Twice Upon A String
4 sessions of in home music therapy
Kai has made meaningful gains in emotional identification (happy/sad/mad), joint attention, and communication—using instruments, songs, and visual supports to express preferences, make choices, and stay regulated and engaged throughout sessions!
Impact of $650 from Reed Sallans
2 monthly memberships to Little Jammers
4 yr old Illiah (far right) and 2 yr old Randall (middle) have been proud members of our Little Jammers community since August. Their grandma (primary caregiver) takes them every Wednesday morning without fail. Unfortunately they hit financial constraints and were unable to afford membership this past month of November.
Reed's donation made it possible for them to
continue attending this month.
&
4 adapted music lessons
Adapted piano lessons have been a crucial support for “P” as he navigates his hardest school year yet, spending eight hours a day in a public school setting with constant overstimulation and emotional dysregulation. When his family’s Katie Beckett funds ran out and they needed to pause services for December, Reed’s donations provided four adapted piano lessons so “P” could continue without a break, maintaining a consistent, regulating outlet and momentum in his progress.
200 Tambourines have been
donated by Reed and his team at We Hero!
