Soul Strings is a music therapy-informed program that serves students and adults with developmental disabilities in the Greater New Orleans area. Music-informed therapy has been proven to support and increase the quality of life and functional skill sets for adults with developmental disabilities. LPO musicians work with a licensed music therapist in sessions that complement and reinforce therapy goals such as improving communication, memory, and attention skills.

Soul Strings began at St. Michael Special School in the fall of 2015 thanks to a generous donation by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation and the League of American Orchestras for their generous support of this program at the Magnolia School in the 2014-2015 season.

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) is partnering with Poydras Home for Soul Strings: Musical Memories, a music-informed therapy program for memory care residents. An LPO string quartet led by a licensed music therapist engages with Poydras Home residents in weekly sessions to trigger memories through song and sensory stimulation. Program participants are also invited to attend several open rehearsals of the full orchestra.

Soul Strings at Magnolia Community Services is a music therapy-informed program which serves residents with developmental disabilities. A string quartet, paired with a board-certified music therapist, visits Magnolia on a weekly basis so that residents may experience live music in an interactive way. The therapist guides the weekly sessions and activities include developing fine and gross motor skills, as well as communication development through discussions, and sing-a-longs. Email Education Coordinator Tori Lambert for more information.