Statement from the Iowa City Autism Community
04/28/25
IC Autism Community StatmentDownload
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Blog
Resonance & Reflection: Music Therapy’s 30-Year History at West Music
We enjoyed celebrating our Pearl 30th Anniversary in 2024, and we are proud to share a publication that compiles all of the stories we shared throughout the year! As you read, watch for clickable QR codes to learn more!
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Music Therapy in Marion & Cedar Falls
11/04/24
Marion may have been the second location to offer music therapy services, but it was first to provide an actual studio space and is the birthplace of the internship program.Meet Noelle!Noelle joined the West Music team in August of 2021 after completing her internship at West Music. She knew...
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Music Therapy in Des Moines
10/02/24
When West Music opened a piano gallery in the Des Moines area in 2011 they also added music therapy services for the community. The first music therapist in this part of the state was Jenny Denk who began with a community outreach choir in addition to contractual music therapy...
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Music Therapy in the Quad Cities
09/16/24
Expansion of music therapy services to Quad Cities of Iowa & Illinois hinged on partnering with the local school system to provide services related to students Individualized Education Plans (or IEPs). Since the early days music therapy has expanded into a variety of other clientele. Below you can meet...
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Where Music Therapy & Music Education Intersect
08/13/24
Many neurodivergent individuals who struggle in traditional music lessons can succeed with a little extra support and strategic planning. These students may benefit from being taught by a music therapist.Music Therapy Services of West Music has provided these “adaptive music lessons” since the early days of the department. Over...
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A Legacy of Training Students: Music Therapy Internships
07/01/24
Music therapy internships are the final educational step before a student earns their degree in Music Therapy and is then eligible to take their board certification exam. The internship lasts six months and students are given the opportunity to experience full-time work in the field while under close supervision...
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30 Years of Music Therapy Services: A Look Back
06/01/24
When West Music was founded in 1941 by musician, educator, and repair technician Pearl West, the dream was to break down barriers and get people involved in music-making. He didn’t want people just listening to music, but actively participating in making music. Pearl West’s son, Steve, took over as president...
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Group Music Opportunities for All Abilities
04/29/24
In addition to music therapy caseloads, our therapists facilitate recreational music making opportunities for people of all abilities.One such program is SoundReach Choir, which was one of the very first initiatives of West Music’s first music therapist! Started in 1994, SoundReach is a choir for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities....
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Breaking Down Financial Barriers to Music Therapy
04/16/24
One of the biggest barriers for access to music therapy is funding. Music therapists in Iowa do not have licensure, and therefore are not covered by most insurances. West Music has a long history of providing scholarships to those in need. One such recipient of West Music’s financial support is...
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