Williams Syndrome: Music

Music Education

• The Suzuki Method

• Exposure to Music

• Playing Chords

• Using Karaoke Tapes

The first academic paper dealing with Williams syndrome and music appeared in the November, 1996 issue of Music Educators Journal. The title is "Special Learners with Special Abilities," and the author is Laura Stambaugh. Ms. Stambaugh taught instrumental music for two years at the Williams Syndrome Music and Arts Camp, Belvoir Terrace.

Another very interesting paper about music and Williams Syndrome soon followed in the Juilliard Journal. 

Click here to read excerpts from this article.

Music Research

• Is Musical Ability a Trait of WS Children?

• Musical Abilities in Individuals

• Asymmetrical Ability

• U.C. Faculty Get Research Grant

• Absolute Pitch in Williams Syndrome

• NPR - Music and the Mind 

Williams Syndrome Musicians

Audio Clips of Williams Musicians

Webmaster's Note: The 1st 3 clips use RealPlayer.  Religious Classics will take you to another page, where you will be able to listen to clips from Gloria's CD.  The CD is available for purchase through this web site.

• Over the Rainbow, performed by Gloria Lenhoff

• Sonata No. 1, Adagio Movement, performed by John J. Libera III

• Six Studies in English, performed by John J. Libera III

• Religious Classics - performed by Gloria Lenhoff

Music Articles of Interest

• Mental Assymetry

• Silver Linings of Troublesome Traits

• There's Talent Where You'd Least Expect It

• An Englishman's View

• Spain's 3rd Music Camp: A Great Success

• Gray Matters: Music and the Brain

Williams Syndrome Campers Perform at the Grand Ole Opry

Additional Resources: Berkshire Hills Music Academy

The Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA), a spin-off foundation of the Williams Syndrome Foundation. eMail: info@berkshirehills.org Mailing Address: Berkshire Hills Music Academy 48 Woodbridge Street South Hadley, MA 01075 Telephone: (413) 540-9720 Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Music Camp Campers celebrate music by participating in a songwriting workshop, recording session, songwriter's night and a live performance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Campers are invited to take part in research activities. The music camp provides persons with Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities a unique opportunity to focus on what they love and do well — music! Camp goals include: Learning and practicing new skills Music enrichment and appreciation Performing with other musicians Socializing with mentors and peers Feeling connected and empowered Family support and information

Tuned in to Learning is a music therapy agency which serves a number of individuals with Williams syndrome. They have worked in the Salk Lab and at the Belvoir Terrace Music Camp. They also have a partner publishing company that offers resources for music education & therapy.