As the children settled into their seats at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, Dannyele Crawford, a music therapist, ignited their creativity with a simple prompt: imagine living on another planet. With excitement, the kids, including six-year-old Bella Diaz, immersed themselves in crafting beats using GarageBand, a music software program.
Unbeknownst to the children, Ms. Crawford is more than just a teacher; she’s a music therapist dedicated to helping children cope with the stress of homelessness. Since 2015, therapists from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music have been visiting the shelter regularly to engage the young residents in music therapy sessions.
In a city where children and teenagers face a growing mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, music therapy offers a unique avenue for expression and healing.
Toby Williams, director of the conservatory’s music therapy program, highlights how music provides a mode of expression for processing trauma, especially when verbalizing emotions may be challenging for children.
Recognizing the importance of mental health support, the city has been providing free online therapy to teenagers and recently announced plans to open mental health clinics for students in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Joslyn Carter, administrator of the City Department of Homeless Services, emphasizes the positive impact of music therapy in allowing children to simply be children amidst challenging circumstances.
For Bella and her siblings, who have been residing in the shelter since 2021, music therapy has been a source of joy and creativity. Their recent composition, inspired by their imagined planet “Bronx,” reflects their resilience and hope for the future.
As Bella excitedly shares their story, it’s evident that music therapy not only provides a creative outlet but also fosters a sense of optimism and empowerment.
As Ms. Crawford engages with the children, encouraging their creativity and listening to their compositions, she witnesses firsthand the transformative power of music. Through music therapy, children like Bella are not only finding solace but also discovering their own strength and resilience amidst adversity.
