Music Therapy Program Kick Off

(Left to Right) Paul D. and Stanley N. strum and sing-along to “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty on Inroads Music Therapy Kick Off Session.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation, Friday April 9th, 2021 New Jersey Singer songwriter Tommy Strazza kicked off Inroads hybrid music therapy program with participants Stanley N., Paul D., Danielle N., Jasmin D. and Ramon A.

Our group met outdoors in Inroads picnic area for a fun and engaging session. Everyone was encouraged to play and sing along to Tommy’s instructions. Some of our participants played guitar while others either sang or used one of our percussion instruments.

Each session we will be featuring an “artist of the week,” kicking off with the music of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Participants sang and strummed along to 'Free Falling,” “American Girl,” and “I won't back down.”

Tommy Strazza has been a staple of the New Jersey music scene for the better part of the last two decades as both a singer/songwriter and lead guitarist for several bands (The Strazzacasters, Hey Bulldog, Misguided Muse, The DeLoreons.) and solo artists (Anthony Walker, Anjelia, Emily Grove, and Michael Askin).

Our hybrid program includes Inroads participants who are home and eager to learn new music with this group. Tommy Strazza helped direct everyone through the first week of songs by counting off so that our musicians on zoom could start at the same time as everyone in person.

Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation awarded Inroads with a $15,000 grant for our music therapy program. Their mission is to provide financial support to non-profit organizations to strengthen existing/or seed innovative initiatives that address healthcare and related needs in Elizabeth, NJ and surrounding areas.

Inroads ultimate goal is to offer this program twice a week to two different groups of wellness participants in varying levels of ability. We will remain a hybrid zoom/ in person group until 100% of our population have returned to program.

We would like to send a huge thank you to Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation for their generosity! Inroads looks forward to bringing you updates as the group progresses.