Kristen Van Dyke, MT-BC, LPMT
Sara Longwell, MT-BC, LPMT

Music is one of the only things in the world that truly connects humans to other humans as well as connecting one to oneself. Listening to or playing music can create unique individual and shared experiences. Music education can play a pivotal role in a child’s life. While children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder may experience the world in a very unique way, chances are, music is a part of it. Whether you are a parent or a music teacher working with a student diagnosed with ASD, you may be interested to learn about how music lessons can work for your child or student. Can a child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder be successful in music education?

This spring, Metro Music Makers hosted a songwriting contest for our students. Students were challenged to write a song based on one of our five values as a company: Be authentic. Bring your best. Pursue growth. Be flexible. Collaborate with kindness.

Winners were selected by our team of teachers based on several criteria. Ava Darnell's song tied for first place in our instrumental category. Ava is 12 years old and has been studying music with Metro Music Makers for a year and a half. Her instructor Grace Mason interviewed her recently. Enjoy getting to know this young, talented musician, and then check out her original song!

This spring, Metro Music Makers hosted a songwriting contest for our students. Students were challenged to write a song based on one of our five values as a company: Be authentic. Bring your best. Pursue growth. Be flexible. Collaborate with kindness.

Winners were selected by our team of teachers based on several criteria. Emma House's song won first place in our category for students 14 and up. Emma is 17 years old and has been studying music with Metro Music Makers for 10 years! Her instructor Chelsea Sefzik interviewed her recently. Enjoy getting to know this talented musician, and then check out her original song!

This spring, Metro Music Makers hosted a songwriting contest for our students. Students were challenged to write a song based on one of our five values as a company: Be authentic. Bring your best. Pursue growth. Be flexible. Collaborate with kindness.

Winners were selected by our team of teachers based on several criteria. Ulises Ramirez Sanroman's song tied for first place in our instrumental category. Ulises is 13 years old and has been studying music with Metro Music Makers for four years. His instructor Mark Grundhoefer interviewed him recently. Enjoy getting to know this young, talented musician, and then check out his original song!

This spring, Metro Music Makers hosted a songwriting contest for our students. Students were challenged to write a song based on one of our five values as a company: Be authentic. Bring your best. Pursue growth. Be flexible. Collaborate with kindness.

Winners were selected by our team of teachers based on several criteria. Georgia Grein was the first place winner in our category for "Songs with Words" for students under 14 years old. Georgia is 11 years old and has been studying music with Metro Music Makers for five years! Her instructor Mark Grundhoefer interviewed her recently. Enjoy getting to know this young, talented musician, and then check out her original song!

written by Dr. Victor Ezquerra

Ava Darnell is 12 years old and has been studying music with Metro Music Makers for a year and a half. Her instructor Grace Mason recently interviewed her for our Student Spotlight series.

Written by Metro Music Makers instructor Dr. Victor Ezquerra