A Musical Journey Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome
- Ishaan S Ahuja
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
This summer, I wanted to connect my background in music and research on neurological disabilities with an in-person experience. I found Gigi’s Playhouse, a hands-on national organization with 62 locations across the country, dedicated to empowering individuals with Down Syndrome. I eagerly applied to volunteer with Gigi’s and am thrilled to put my learnings into practice by teaching a piano class every Saturday there this summer.
Before heading to volunteer at Gigi’s, I wanted to make sure I was as informed as possible about the genetic and social influences of Down Syndrome. Before I share my expectations and plans for the class, let’s go over what I know going in and how I’m applying my research to my approach.
Down Syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is the most commonly diagnosed chromosomal condition in the United States, according to the CDC. Caused by an extra copy (three instead of two) of chromosome 21, the disability results in a deregulation of gene expression, meaning that some genes are “turned on” or “turned off,” and specific essential proteins for intellectual development are not made by the cells. This can cause various neurological effects impacting three main areas of the brain: the frontal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the cerebellum.
The frontal lobe is the largest lobe of the cerebral cortex of the brain, responsible for executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, self-control, memory, and voluntary muscle movements. In individuals with Down Syndrome, a reduction in the volume of the frontal lobe has been observed. This results in impairments of these functions that we see in the behaviors of individuals with Down Syndrome.
The temporal lobe is another one of the four lobes of the cerebral cortex of the brain. The temporal lobe is responsible for four main functions: auditory processing, language processing, visual recognition, and memory. In individuals with Down Syndrome, a reduction in the total volume of the temporal lobe has also been observed. This results in impairments in the above functions and emotional control.
The cerebellum is a lobe of the brain, not part of the cerebral cortex. The cerebellum is the lobe of the brain responsible for physical processes, including coordinating movements, maintaining posture and balance, and motor control, including fine motor skills. Similar to the frontal lobe and temporal lobe of the brain in individuals with Down Syndrome, the cerebellum has also been observed to have a reduction in volume, resulting in a lack of coordinated movement, poor balance, and unclear speech.
At Gigi’s Playhouse, I’m excited to start a new music class, teaching Playhouse members how to play the piano. Not only does playing the piano pose physical benefits for the Playhouse members, but also mental benefits, as individuals with Down Syndrome often feel more excited, energetic, and happy when listening, singing, and dancing to songs they enjoy. Through my blog, I’ve learned that music is a universal language connecting us all, regardless of our backgrounds and abilities. Music can be an extra important form of expression for nonverbal individuals with Down Syndrome. I’ve done lots of research on the neurological benefits of music for individuals with disabilities, including strokes and aphasia, and the physical benefits for muscular dystrophy. With this research in mind, I believe a piano class will be a strong fit for the unique neurological and physical impairments associated with Down Syndrome. The various skills required for playing piano and music overall, such as matching pitches, can help strengthen neurological connections. Physically, playing the piano helps members develop fine and gross motor skills, which are essential in daily life for various tasks, such as holding a fork, throwing a ball, and tying shoes.
This is my first time teaching a music class and working directly with a community of individuals with disabilities, and I’m honestly not sure what to expect. While I’m sure there will be challenges, I hope my summer will be a fun and valuable learning experience — one I’ll record on my blog. Stay tuned!
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