About Ben:
I am Ben Rosenthal, a board-certified music therapist and music educator. Throughout my life, I have been consistently driven by a sense of motivation and passion. This commitment is evident in my approach to exploring unique opportunities, acquiring additional skills, and engaging with new individuals, values that I seamlessly integrate into both my personal and professional pursuits.
In my capacity as an educator and music therapist, I am dedicated to cultivating a profound love and appreciation for music while imparting fundamental music skills across all age groups. My leadership acumen is complemented by a wealth of experience in tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and interests of each student.
Presently, I serve as the Assistant Director of Music & Music Vocation at Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, MA. This institution stands as a distinctive, college-like program designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, facilitating the enhancement of their social, vocational, and life skills within a music-infused environment. For further information about Berkshire Hills Music Academy, please visit https://www.berkshirehills.org.
Additionally, I hold the position of Visiting Lecturer of Music Therapy at Westfield State University. Those interested in pursuing a Music Therapy Degree (B.M.) at Westfield State University can find more details at https://www.westfield.ma.edu/academics/degrees/music-therapy-degree-bm.
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in many areas such as: overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people’s motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings. Learn more at https://www.musictherapy.org