Music is entertainment, a diversion, or maybe a hobby for most of us. That's what we think, at any rate. The powerful healing aspect of music is often overlooked. Rick Soshensky has been a music therapist for more than twenty years and he has been bringing his skills to a number of FAMILY's programs this Fall. “Usually no matter what we offer as a special, the kids roll their eyes,” says Mary Jo Pidone at Family House. “The kids who resist the most seem to get the most out of it. By the end of a session they are singing duets and shaking the shakers. We can't really do sustained projects because each week we have different residents. Everyone begins by showing off or just doing their own thing, but by the end, the cacophony is gone and they are working together.”

Soshensky enjoys seeing how music transforms people. “Creativity is a bridge between human suffering and our transcendent selves. People come to know themselves through their impairments and their difficulties, whether physical or psychological. Music gives people a healthier experience of themselves, gives them a way to focus and a way to connect positively with others.” Soshensky does a weekly session at FAMILY's Washbourne House for survivors of domestic violence. “Originally, we thought the adults wouldn't be receptive. We started with the kids and had the adults watch, but they jumped right in and it is so freeing. It supports self-expression which women at the shelter really need.” The staff is enthusiastic. “Fun isn't the only reason to have music, but in crisis situations, it's not a bad thing to have some lightness,” observes Arlene Marino, who works at Washbourne. “I have never seen the children so happy. And it is the best part of the week for me, too. Rick does a perfect combination of well-prepared and spontaneous activities. In the end, everyone is singing, dancing, and playing. It might be the only really joyous time of the week, but the effect lasts.”

Soshensky also produces videos and has worked with young people at Kingston Cares to create a little music video about cleaning up Kingston. “It gives an activity longer life and gives whoever is involved a sense of accomplishment. There it is, right on YouTube!” You can see two of Rick Soshensky's videos for Kingston Cares We Can Sweep or Clean Up Squad on YouTube. “I'm so glad he's been coming here, exposing kids to new things they might not think of as 'cool'.”