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By Jill Runfola 

Jillian Storm sings and plays guitar with Fine Art Miracles of Pgh., at the Monessen Senior Center. She entertains the crowd for a Music Therapy session.

Jillian Storm sings and plays guitar with Fine Art Miracles of Pgh., at the Monessen Senior Center. She entertains the crowd for a Music Therapy session.

The Monessen Senior Center recently started holding ‘Music Therapy’ sessions for their clients.  Some music has been so beneficial that the recent sessions have been funded by a state grant. Sessions began in January and are held on the 4^th Thursday of every month, until the grant runs out, tentatively in May.

The staff at the senior center and experts from Fine Art Miracles, Pittsburgh, agree in the power of music therapy.  The sessions themselves are truly unique and involve live, one-woman concerts.

“When I came in Jan., I thought to myself, ‘wow’ this is great,” said Marsha Adams, manager of Monessen Senior Center.  “I said that more people need to know about her,”(Jillian Storm, singer). 

On this particular day, people were in for a real treat listening to Ms. Storm as she played guitar beautifully and sang lovely, folk style songs, some country, and even rock music, holding the attention of the well-attended audience.   From “Beast of Burden,” to “Take a Load off Fanny,” the mostly popular songs were enjoyable.

Tess Lojacono, CEO of Fine Art Miracles, Pittsburgh, describes the benefits of music therapy, “Researchers have seen the following benefits:  reduction in depression, improvements in cognition and increased socialization among those participating.”  She added that “each session is catered to the population being served.”

To learn more about Fine Art Miracles, visit their website at Fineartmiracles.com. (Art therapy is also available at the senior center.)

Seniors who believe they would like to try this therapeutic, free and fun activity, may contact Monessen Senior Center at 724-684-6105 to visit the center at 1925 Grand Boulevard, Monessen.

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