Insights into the Musical Potential of Cognitively Impaired People Diagnosed with Williams Syndrome. Howard M. LenhoffAlthough William’s syndrome people have cognitive impairments, many show signs of having unusual musical abilities. Music therapy is a growing area of therapeutic treatment for these people. 1. seem to show signs of unusual musical abilities2. cognitive scientists are doing research on WS people and their affinity for music3. some parents are finding that Williams people can compensate for their deficits through music. Ie. tie their shoe laces4. a number of music teachers will not take them as students because they can’t read notation.Williams people are missing a group of genes from one of their chromosomes. Typical problems they deal with are both cognitive and behavioral including1. trouble with simple addition and subtractions2. spacial relationships3. logical reasoning4. abstract ideas5. have the condition called “hyperacusis” – allowing them to hear the faintest sounds. Many have perfect pitch6. extremely warm, kind personalities and show a great deal of empathy in understanding the feelings of others7. show a high level of language development. Musically many show a great love, appreciation and talent for music.Gloria has Williams Syndrome, the daughter of Howard M. Lenhoff, the author of the article, was unaware his daughter had William’s syndrome as a child. A PBS documentary was filmed of her called ‘Bravo Gloria’ describing her outstanding musical talents. She is a lyric soprano with perfect pitch, skilled at playing the large piano accordion, and has a repertoire of over 2000 pieces in 25 languages. She doesn’t read music notation and has only just learned the white keys on the piano.Williams people learn best in 1:1 situations, most of their learning occurs through hearing, musical notation tends to hinder their learning due to their difficulty...
