Barbara and John LoFrumento Establish A Program to Assist Autistic Students

ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento and his wife Barbara, have established The ASCAP Foundation Barbara and John LoFrumento Award to support music and music therapy programs for autistic learners. This award, which was recently presented to the Music Conservatory of Westchester Music Therapy Institute, will enable the Institute to expand its music therapy program and provide weekly music therapy sessions to special needs students in the Eastchester, NY school district. Students will have the opportunity to work with music educators on songwriting and instrumental instruction.

Music therapy uses the power of music in a focused way to accomplish growth, learning, healing and change. Elements of music such as repetition, form, dynamics, tempo and rhythm specifically address the learning needs of children with autism creating an environment of attention, creativity and expression. The ASCAP Foundation Barbara and John LoFrumento Award will make it possible for the Institute to reach out to those in the community who might otherwise not have an opportunity to experience music and its healing abilities. For those children, music therapy will make a significant difference in their lives by addressing important areas including communication and language development, socialization, emotional development and self expression, as well as helping to develop their musical skills and talents.