At the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts in Westfield, "The Music Connection" is an innovative scholarship program for students with special needs that provides music therapy and personalized instruction on an instrument or voice. The program is designed to use the transformative power of music to enrich each child's life through skills development, confidence building, and positive reinforcement.

Potential students with certain neurological, developmental and/or physical disabilities who are at least 6 years old are encouraged to request an interview. Upon admission, the student will begin a preparatory course of music therapy sessions with a certified therapist, tuition-free. The therapy sessions are designed to address the student's particular needs as they relate to their ability to function well in a private music lesson setting, and are fully subsidized by donations and public and private grants. Once finished with music therapy, the student may begin private lessons on an instrument or voice at a reduced tuition rate. A parent or guardian must be present during lessons and committed to practicing with the student at home every day.

For more information or to request an interview for your child, please contact the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts at 908-789-9696. You may also email us at njwa2@aol.com, or stop by the Music Studio at 150-152 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090. The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization established in 1972. Visit us at www.njworkshopforthearts.com.