MUSIC PROGRAMMING
As parents our first instinct may not be to integrate music into our deaf or hard of hearing children’s lives. Seeing a group of kids with hearing loss reveling in the joy of a concert reminds us of the powerful connection music creates.
Because the well-researched benefits of having a music rich life are seen almost exponentially in children living with hearing loss, Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) launched its music based programming, Music To My Ears in 2019 to honor the 60th anniversary of the Foundation. FHSR music programming encompasses tuition-free enrichment classes, individual instrument lessons, school-based curriculums and music therapy all working in tandem to give a deaf or hard of hearing child every opportunity for a successful music journey.Â
As a Foundation, we are dedicated to making music a part of our community and your child’s life.
THE POWER OF CLASSES
“Emma has been taking music classes through FHSR’s scholarship program. She is in her first year of preschool and she also does virtual hearing therapy one day a week which has been really helpful in navigating the new listening environments at school.
Emma started virtual piano lessons this spring, and she’s really liking it so far! Emma’s teacher tells me she is doing great and is already on par with her second year peers, which I wasn’t surprised about but really proud to hear.
The hearing therapist said she has been trying to figure out how Emma has developed such concise and eloquent speech at such a young age with the added complication of hearing loss and that learning about her involvement in music helps connect the dots! I haven’t really put the two together in that way before, but I am endlessly grateful for the access to music and language that you and your program have given her and our family.”
MUSIC TO MY EARS SCHOLARSHIP
FHSR honored the Foundation’s 60th Anniversary with the creation of the Music To My Ears Scholarship Program (MTME). This program provides a year of tuition-free music classes for deaf and hard of hearing children in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. FHSR is proud to partner with The Merit School of Music, The Old Town School of Folk Music and Music Makers of Western Springs to provide music enrichment classes for children up to four years of age and instrument lessons for children up to 12 years of age.
The MTME program represents FHSR’s unwavering commitment to be the leader in programs that enable children living with hearing loss to be on par with their hearing peers. A $900.00 donation will sponsor a year of classes for one deaf or hard of hearing child. This amount will allow children who might not otherwise be able to afford music enrichment classes to attend weekly music classes and experience the joy of music with their hearing peers.
FHSR is so excited to announce that we are going to see beloved children’s music artist, Laurie Berkner, at Ravinia for the 2022 Cheers for Ears.Â
Details to follow – but plan to gather on the beautiful lawn, picinic, sing, dance and make music together in the enchanting 36-acre park.Â
Laurie shares her talent with audiences all over the world through her YouTube channel.
Date – Saturday, October 23, 2021
Time – 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Place – Live VITURAL Concert
FHSR is so excited to welcome Laurie Berkner, a nationally beloved children’s music artist as our Cheers for Ears 2021 entertainment.Â
We will be singing, dancing and making music together virtually, while staying safe at home.Â
Laurie shares her talent with audiences all over the world through her YouTube channel.
Sound Experience: Cheers for Ears
Cheers for Ears, our free family concert that celebrates the powerful intersection of hearing and music was created in 2012. It brings children with hearing loss together for an afternoon of entertainment and community. Music not only provides an opportunity for the kids to connect with each other, it opens the door to so many possibilities.
This year we are excited to welcome Laurie Berkner as our entertainment! Although the concert will be virtual, we will sing and dance during this Live Virtual Concert – Saturday October 23, 11 am
MUSIC BLOGS & WEBINARS
Pitch perception and Cochlear Implant users
Did you know that cochlear implant users perceive pitch in an entirely Read More
A conversation with FHSR Music Program Coordinator & Merit School Teacher, Sally Blandon
With all that is happening in today’s world one constant that everyone Read More
Fun and Interactive Music Activities: Ages 5-7
Finding new and exciting activities to engage your children can be difficult Read More
Fun and Interactive Music Activities to do at home for kids Ages 2 – 4
Music activities that parents can engage in with their children while sheltering Read More
BE A PART OF IT ALL.
Give the gift of music to a child.
Your donation to FHSR can be given in honor of or in memory of a loved one who cultivated your love of music. Pay it forward with a donation today.
