Sound of Silence seeks to help hearing-impaired children by revealing them to the musical world of percussion, improving their ability to read, hear and feel music, and to increase their self-esteem and to let them know that anything is possible with practice and help.
Sound of Silence is the brainchild of Raul Federico, Professor of Music at Miami Dade College. He is assisted by Harold Sierra. The organization is a 501c3 Non-Profit Tax exempt.
The connection between the professor and the student is the most important part for this program to be effective and positive. The most effective way of teaching the hearing impaired is by the vibrating technology. The vibrations then have to be transferred into human movements by the students. The student will feel the vibration thru there bear feet on top of an acoustic platform. Another very effective step of teaching the hearing impaired is to combine the vibrating platform with video screen. The students have to imitate the movements they see on the screen that will become the perfect combination between the vibration and the movements shown on the screen for them to be able transfer it to the percussion instrument. This program will not only give them self discipline but also help them to understand that the incapability is not longer an obstacle in the student ability to learn the magic of percussion.Percussion was the first way of communication between humans, that’s one of the many reasons why we are so sure about this program been such an effective way of teaching hearing impaired percussion.
This type of impairments is treated different in the world of percussion. The blind has the ability of listening and talking, the technique to teach them is to spend more one on one with them and connect in their needs as a student. The professor has to work more on audio techniques more than in any other teaching method. The only thing the student has to do is to listen to the music and really feel it deep in his or her soul to achieve the highest level of comprehension of percussion. The word progress has no meaning unless the students and parents are content and satisfied with the learning experience.
Teaching Manual for the Autistic
This method of Music therapy is for children with autism. First technique is approaching the student, determining whether he/she can respond and participate.
Our work from the first class (percussion) must be sponsored by educators, professionalism, on the subject (autism) and the communication between the professional pedagogical. Percussionists have to be fluid and almost periodic to guarantee the most effective learning experience. The student/patient’s parents are also encouraged in participating in class sessions to establish security in the student/patients learning environment.
The professionalism of the musician and the autistic student combine to build and fortify, at scientific and musical level, the student’s condition in its various phases, hyperactive autism, etc. In the first classes it is proved necessary to constructively evaluate the student’s performance, assess his/her progress, indentify the student’s well being in class, and share good times with sensible humor. Patience, a spiritual gift both medical and musical used to overcome obstacles in life.
Four classes per month, unless otherwise assigned, the teacher will apply the techniques discussed above. The patient's progress will be reported to their parents, doctor, musician and therapist. In addition, the dedication and willingness of the patient are the factors that depend on the success and progress in class. It is important to note, that the student’s progress in the course cannot be chronologically ordered and detailed. Class by class, the progress of the autistic student will depend on his/her mood. The teacher is a professional in percussion for autistic, but will not be in charge of medical side.